I think I know the kind of people the author is thinking of when he says this. Mental illness is core to their identity, and they think of everything in terms o

I think I know the kind of people the author is thinking of when he says this. Mental illness is core to their identity, and they think of everything in terms of what will "protect their mental health". It's good to be aware of how you're feeling, but at some point you also have to set your attention to just living your life.