Originally posted 9/7/2020
Hey there! It’s Mental Health Monday! Not sure if this will continue as a pattern, but as the first Monday I’m posting, it could be the start of a trend.
My background and training are in counseling. Psychology, human development, sociology, and relationship dynamics have always fascinated me. I have been told time and again that I can “read” people and see beyond the surface when I spend time with someone. It is a passion of mine to understand people. It is easier to be helpful when you understand.
There has always been a stigma surrounding mental health diagnoses, which often prevents people from seeking assistance when they need it. This has always frustrated me. There are so many diagnoses that are not obvious—with both physical health and mental health—it is sad that there is so much judgment associated with things that others can’t see. But, that is a post for another time…
While I have clinical understanding and professional experience with a number of mental health diagnoses, I have personal experience with depression. I was first diagnosed with depression after the birth of my youngest child. While her birth was smooth, the weeks and months that followed were difficult. I thought that I was handling things well, all things considered—everyone cries continuously when they are exhausted from caring for a newborn and a preschooler, right? Maybe, but it never hurts to seek help, either with counseling, medication, or a combination of both. I have done both throughout the course of my adult life.
I adore my counselor. She listens, provides perspective, challenges me to grow, recommends great books, and talks with me about professional growth as well. I can’t imagine not checking in with her like I do. At times, I have seen her weekly, but for the most part, I see her once a month as a time to stop, reflect, and process the stuff of life. Again, I highly recommend finding a fantastic counselor. Even without insurance, there are options for counseling—there are free clinics and those who have their rates on a sliding scale to assist anyone who might struggle to pay. Payment should never be a reason to avoid getting the help that you need!
I am thankful that I found an amazing counselor to work with the first time I was looking for someone to talk to. There are times that a counselor & client don’t mesh—whether it is for personality differences, different values/work view, or different counseling philosophy. And, if we are honest, sometimes it is because the person says things that we don’t want to hear or process in that moment. A savvy counselor will recognize that and adjust their approach, but it is also ok if the person is not the right fit. Try again—and keep trying until you find someone you trust and can truly talk to.
For those who might not be aware, counselors do not prescribe medications. They can recommend that you see someone who can prescribe, but they are there to talk to—not to medicate. Also, you do not have to see a psychiatrist to get a prescription for many mental health medications. If you have a primary care physician, you can speak with them to see if a medication can be recommended & prescribed. Many basic medications for depression and anxiety are prescribed without a psychiatrist.
Another quick note—a mental health diagnosis, counseling, and/or medication do not mean that you are “crazy”! Crazy is not a thing. It is a very overused, under-considered word that places judgment where it doesn’t belong. As I am new here and am attempting to avoid soap boxes, I will stop there—but no, you’re not crazy. I’m not crazy. Your quirky neighbor is not crazy. Crazy is not a thing.
If you or someone you love has a mental health diagnosis, know that you are seen, you are heard, and there are those who have an understanding for what you go through each day (another side note—I do everything I can to never say “I understand” because so often we don’t truly understand, we just don’t know what else to say) We will get through this by relying on those we love and trust and seeking support and assistance when we need it. No stigma, no judgement, just doing the best we can to make it from day to day.
Thanks for reading! 😊 EW