By Evetta McGriff
According to clinical social worker Cori Dixon-Fyle, “mental health encompasses our psychological, emotional, and social well-being.” Mental health doesn’t always have a positive reaction. It’s interesting, because we go to the doctor for our bodies, the dentist for our teeth, and the optometrist for our eyes. We go to the gym to get in shape, and we eat fruits and vegetables to maintain take care of our physical wellbeing. So many people are neglecting their mental health, which means our ENTIRE body isn’t being cared for. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. The National Alliance of Mental Illness encourages people to not be ashamed to ask for help. Everyone needs help at some point in their life. No one can handle everything alone. Needing help is not a sign of weakness.
Mental health is important in helping us cope with life, as well as how we interact and relate to others. Being mentally healthy helps us manage the challenges in our lives and helps with maintaining positive relationships. People are at times embarrassed to talk to someone when things have gotten out of control in their lives. Many suffer from depression, both mild and chronic, and other mental health conditions, but are too worried about what people may say to seek help. No one wants to be judged or called “crazy” because they need help from a mental health professional. What you need to realize is that you are not going through this alone. There are other people going through the same thing; some who are willing to ask for help, and others who are afraid and ashamed to speak up about their feelings.
The first step in getting help starts with you. You need to be aware of the things going on inside your mind and body and recognize that there are things that you can not control. When mental health is left untreated, the negative effects can cause self-destructive behavior, such as addiction and harming yourself. Give yourself permission to ask for help, regardless of what others may think. The pressure to be able to manage everything that comes our way can be too much to handle.
Once you recognize and accept that you need professional help, the next step is to find the right person for you. Counseling and therapy are available to develop coping skills and strategies to reduce the pressure we feel and navigate through the stressors in a positive and successful manner. Contact your school counselor or social worker. If you are a college student, you can visit the campus clinic for help. Most parents’ insurance includes an Employee Assistance Program. This program is available to their dependents and can be helpful in finding the right person to help you. Remember to take care of the WHOLE you.
May12020
