If you're struggling with your mental health, know that you're not alone. I believe everyone goes through a period (or many) in life when mental health takes a backseat.
A backseat to what?
When you are running in survival mode your priorities become different. You are forced to decide how to best utilize your time and make some cuts.
When you are depressed, anxious, hopeless, sad, angry, or overwhelmed by any number of emotions, your priorities and your abilities to function change.
When you experience a life-changing event your focus has to change.
You are not the only one. You are normal. You have the power to choose when you would like to reevaluate your priorities, your time, and your abilities to function in the way you would like.
AND, if you find that it is just too much to take on by yourself, you don’t have to do it alone!
If you're struggling with your mental health, here are three statements I wish someone had shared with me…
1. Don't try to tough it out. It's okay to ask for help. In fact, it's a sign of strength.
2. Don't bottle up your feelings. Talk to someone you trust about what's going on.
3. Take care of yourself. Make sure to eat healthy, exercise, and get enough sleep.
Mental health is something that is often overlooked today. It’s hard but rewarding work.
Let’s reframe 3 mental health statements in another way...
1. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
Mental health is not always black and white. There are gray areas, and it’s okay to not be okay sometimes. It’s important to recognize when you’re feeling off and to take time for yourself to reset and recharge.
2. Seek Professional Help When Needed
Someone out here needs to hear this. If you’re feeling like you’re struggling to keep up with day-to-day life, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. There is nothing wrong with getting help from a therapist or counselor. In fact, it can be immensely beneficial.
3. Take Care of Yourself
Self-care is so important, especially when it comes to mental health. Make sure to schedule time for yourself to do things that improve your mood, your affect and your understanding of yourself. There are many paths to self-expression. Or maybe you just need a good laugh or a good cry. Maybe it's just an activity to help you relax!
I know I said three and you are well within your rights to stop right reading here…..But if you want some more thoughts, here they are!
More Mental Health Tips I Wish I Knew Sooner
Feel your feelings
Often we forget to take time to process. It is important to take time to process your feelings and emotions and to organize them in a way that you can understand and a way that you can accept. That way you can externalize them and let them go.
Learn yourself
Seek insight into yourself. You are the one who is fully capable of understanding your experience. The full depth of who you are. Take time to examine your authentic self.
HEAD to HEART. And back again.
It takes time to make sense of how you feel and how you think about how you feel. Give yourself some grace and be patient. It is hard but fulfilling work.
Examine your self-talk
Who do you think you are?
Have you ever thought about it?
How does it affect your choices in life?
If you're feeling overwhelmed or struggling to cope, don't be afraid to reach out for help. There is no shame in admitting that you need some extra support, and there are many resources available to help you. Talking to a therapist or counselor can be extremely helpful in managing your mental health. Joining a support or therapy group can really change your life and offer you alternative perspectives and understanding of yourself and your experience.
Take time to process
It is important to take time to process your feelings and emotions and to organize them in a way that you can understand and a way that you can accept. That way you can externalize them and let them go.
Don't go through it alone.
It can be hard to open up about your mental health, but it's important to remember that you're not alone. There are many people who understand what you're going through and are willing to help. Talking to friends, family, or a support group are all great paths to improve your mental health. If you don’t have a system of support start with a therapeutic relationship with a counselor.
3 Additional Tips to Support Your Mental Health Now
In summary, I’ll offer 3 additional mental health tips you may find support your mental health right now.
1. Get Your Body Moving
Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Stretch. Meditate. Set a movement goal for yourself today.
2. Connect With Others
Whether it's spending time with friends and family, or joining a support group. Social connection can help reduce stress and improve your mood. Reach out to your support system!
3. Search for a Therapist
A therapist can help you identify and manage negative thought patterns, and develop healthy mechanisms for change in your thoughts, words, and actions. They can assist you to understand and recover your connection with your authentic self.
I wish you the best on your journey through life and I hope these words help you get to the place you want to be with your mental health. I hope you find the strength to be vulnerable with those that will be kind to you. I hope that you find a way to recover yourself and feel good again.
Wishing you love, compassion, and support!
CTA: If you are interested in our Affordable Counseling Program in Colorado, click here.
How We Can Help
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Other Therapy Services Available at Catalyss Counseling:
Here at Catalyss Counseling, we want to meet all of your counseling needs in the Denver area. Our supportive therapists provide depression counseling, therapy for caregiver stress, grief and loss therapy, stress management counseling and more. We also have specialists in trauma and PTSD, women's issues, pregnancy and postpartum depression or anxiety, pregnancy loss and miscarriage, and birth trauma. For therapists, we can also provide clinical supervision! We look forward to connecting with you to help support your journey today.
Author Biography
Justin Norton is a student intern and a provider for the affordable counseling program at Catalyss Counseling. He works with men, adults who have lost direction in their life, and burned out professionals to regain purpose and meaning so they can become who they have always wanted to be. Follow Catalyss Counseling on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.