the secret (groundbreaking info) Let's talk!
Congratulations! You have been hanging out with me for the majority of Mental Health Awareness Month and today, May 31st, marks the end of the month. However, it should not mark the end of mental health awareness or our quest to remove the stigma that keeps many people from seeking help or having meaningful conversations about mental health. Instead, I leave you with something that I hope sparks curiosity in you to not only further your knowledge about mental health, but to educate other people you meet as well. Now brace yourself for this groundbreaking, life altering, stigma shattering information.
Mental health does not equate to mental illness. Your mental health is not defined by whether there is the presence or absence of a mental health condition or mental illness. Instead, mental health exists on what could be considered a spectrum, or continuum, where experiences can range from the best possible state of well-being to the worst states where a person might suffer from tremendous mental distress and emotional pain. Now what does that mean? To put it simply, just because a person doesn’t have a diagnosis of a mental health condition does not mean they are mentally healthy. And just because someone is functioning well in all areas of there life, does not mean they do not have a mental health condition. Just as a person may have a physical health condition or disease but is still able to go about their daily life without major difficulty, the same is true for a person with a mental health disorder. Also, similarly to how a person can experience temporary bouts of illness, or flare ups of a physical disease, one’s mental health may suffer or decline temporarily due to periods of distress or as a result of a traumatic incident.
Additionally, just as we should make sure that we exercise regularly, get fresh air, spend time in the sunshine, eat well, and a good night’s rest to maintain our physical health, the same is true for our mental health. Taking care of our mind is just as important as taking care of our body. When our bodies are not functioning at optimal levels, we seek help from a professional to identify and treat the problem. Our mind deserves the same attention.
If you or someone you know is experiencing issues with feeling anxious, sadness, hopelessness, or any other mental problem that is keeping you from being the best version of yourself possible, talk to a mental health professional. There is no shame in taking care of your mental health. Licensed professionals like me are ready to help you and we will do so without judgement. It’s time we make mental health a priority and defeat the stigma associated with mental health disorders. Let’s talk!
Let's take this journey together
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook or take the first step and schedule a consultation.
We are here to help!
Comments