As we continue on our journey towards personal growth, it is essential to turn inwards and place focus on our mental health. Oftentimes, it is stigmatized and it can be viewed negatively, and sometimes we can have our own stigma towards ourselves. It is an important reminder that your mental health is as important as your physical health. I invite you to treat your mental health with the same dedication and mindfulness you put towards your physical self. Here are some ideas to contemplate as you focus on making your mental health a priority.
Health Is Multifaceted
Our minds often default to physical health, when we hear the word “health”. However, it has many components, including, physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and relational health. Each of these aspects play an important role in our wellness, and they should all be attended to with care and compassion.
Mental health is just as important for caring for any other part of our health. It affects how we cope with life, handle daily stressors, and our ability to create meaningful relationships. It is not just mental but also includes our emotional, social, and psychological well-being.
Therapy Is Valuable
Therapy is a worthwhile investment on your mental health. It is for all people, regardless of the issues you may be facing. It is not solely for times of crisis but also when your life is going well. It can help increase your self-awareness, give you helpful insights, and equip you with coping skills to manage your mental health.
Therapy can be a protective factor for your mental health by providing you tools to create boundaries and learn how to tolerate and navigate your emotions. It can also provide a safe space for you to process the parts of your story that may feel messy. If you are experiencing any shame or personal stigma, therapy is the perfect place to discuss these feelings.
Identifying Healthy Versus Maladaptive Behaviors
When we are thinking about our mental health, it is essential to identify the behaviors we are using and whether they are helping us or harming us. Maladaptive behaviors are anything that can be detrimental to your mental health. Some examples include, negative self-talk, avoiding emotions, substance abuse, or excessive screen time. We all have used these behaviors, so there is no shame in noticing them. Identifying them is the first step towards healthy change.
Conversely, healthy behaviors are ones that support your mental health. This could be going to therapy, setting boundaries, cultivating safe relationships, and taking a vacation or mental health day. It is vital to prioritize these habits in order to maintain your well-being.
Mental Health is a Journey
Everyone is on a continual path towards learning, growing, and evolving. Mental health is not a destination, but is an ongoing process. It is important to remember we work on our mental health with curiosity and not shame.
Prioritizing and cultivating mental health is an endeavor. I encourage you to take practical, action-forward steps to take care of your well-being. Let us walk together on this journey towards embracing the fullness of our mental health.
Becoming Anchored in Hope,
Laura
LPC-MHSP, CEDS-C, ACS, NCC
Overthinking Masterclass: Have you ever asked yourself: “Why am I always worried that I am not enough?”. This is the masterclass for you. Learn how to practice curiosity over shame as you begin to explore how to cultivate self acceptance. Receive evidence-based strategies on how to decrease self-doubt and feel confident through increasing healthy self-image.
Compassionate Affirmation: “My mental health is as important as my physical health.”
