Therapy Does Not Mean...
Mental health awareness has greatly increased in recent years, but when it comes right down to it, we don’t often practice what we preach. So many of our clients wait years to come in and get help, yet recommended therapy to friends, family and co-workers when they are struggling. In reflection, these same clients thought they would get better if they just tried harder. And, truthfully many didn’t feel worthy of spending money on themselves. It’s no secret that it is HARD to make the decision to get help. Talking to someone, getting on the right medication for your body, journaling, etc. all feels overwhelming….and there is often the nagging thought that it’s not worth the effort and time. Unfortunately, this narrative is exactly why mental health is an epidemic today.
Mental health affects every aspect of our lives, even if we don’t realize it. Tired but having trouble falling asleep? Zoning out all the time? Falling behind in classes or work? Feeling sluggish when you try to exercise? Worried about what is going to happen tomorrow, or the day after, and the day after that?
The good news is that help is more accessible than ever before. There are many, many qualified individuals who are ready to help you on your mental health journey. Please don’t make the mistake of feeling like you are the only person who needs to talk to someone, or the only one that needs extra support. Fears of becoming a burden on others or getting addicted to medication are often fallacies. The reality is, most people want to help and would prefer you ask vs. witness you using maladaptive behaviors (ie. restriction, purging, bingeing, cutting, isolating, etc.) to cope.
In sum, therapy doesn’t mean you are weak. It doesn’t mean that you are unstable. It doesn’t mean that you are crazy. It doesn’t mean that you are abnormal. It means that you are strong, self-aware, and willing to get help. Coupled with movement, a balanced diet, and good sleep, we know you will begin to feel whole again. You are valuable and you are worth it. Our brain is an organ, just like our heart, lungs, and stomach, therefore we need to treat it as such. We are stronger when we take care of ourselves together!
By Trinny Duncan, Nutrition Intern and Peggy Pratt, PhD, RD, LD, CEDS