Mental Health – a term that may have seemed like a passing trend, are we not over it already? No, it is here to stay! Why? Well, just like our physical health, our mental well-being has always been an intrinsic part of who we are. Yet, for far too long, it received little attention, leaving many of us uncertain and even fearful of the unknown.
Imagine a time when mental illness was misunderstood, even deemed the devil's work. The isolation and fear our ancestors may have experienced resonate with us today. But times have changed, and we now have the opportunity to explore and understand Mental Health openly.
At its core, Mental Health is a tapestry woven with our emotions, feelings, and thoughts. Each thread is valid and true, but our feelings are not always facts, and our thoughts aren't always accurate. Repeatedly invalidating ourselves can lead to mental illness, but let's not mistake it for the devil's work. Instead, it may be a result of a breakdown in healthy support systems or the lack of a positive belief in ourselves. Afterall, If we haven’t been shown it then it doesn’t exist?
Now, let's take a closer look at our emotions - happiness, excitement, sadness, anger, and more. Each emotion has its place and deserves to be heard and validated. Delving into our feelings can lead to unexpected discoveries. For example, beneath anger's big loud noise, there might be someone frightened, lost, and in need of support. Giving ourselves space to explore allows us to truly be heard.
So, what does exploring mean? It can take various forms, such as talking to a psychotherapist/counselor, writing in a journal, or exploring creatively, all within a safe space. 'Safe' is a word of great importance, and while therapists prioritise your safety, we must also learn to care for ourselves, using loving language and compassion. Are the words we use towards ourselves positive and supportive?
Taking time for self-care is crucial to our well-being. Simple pauses and mindful breaths throughout the day add value without cost. Embracing self-care, which varies for each individual, involves showing love, kindness, and compassion to ourselves. How often do you take the time to pause and reflect, or take the time to breathe?
Mental health can be influenced by various factors, including Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s):
Trauma
Stress
Loss
Change, and Relationships. But let's remember, it's not something to fear. Mental illness merely signals that we are struggling and need healthy support for our well-being.
Our mental health, just like our physical health, deserves regular attention. Making self-care a priority nurtures our well-being. It's okay not to be okay; acknowledging struggles and reaching out for support are acts of strength. Together, we can explore self-care, understand our needs, and build supportive networks.
Let's embrace mental health, supporting and learning from one another. Together, we can create a healthy, compassionate environment that values and prioritises our mental well-being.
Support is essential for a flourishing life! 💚✨
Explore Mental Health and Well-Being
With warmth and kindness,
Your dedicated psychotherapeutic counsellor, Maz
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