The Importance of Mental Health

Mental health is crucial for our overall well-being. It encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social health. This aspect of our lives influences how we perceive reality. It affects our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Our mindset plays a key role in how we handle stress, connect with others, and make decisions. A healthy mind leads to healthy choices.

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 8 people worldwide struggle with mental health issues. Unresolved mental health problems can lead to conditions such as OCD, anxiety, self-isolation, paranoia, depression, binge eating, alcohol abuse, and other maladjustments.

Understanding Mental Health Challenges

Expressing your experiences can be immensely liberating. It opens doors to support, understanding, and healing. However, a significant barrier to seeking assistance is the fear of judgment. Many people hesitate to disclose their challenges, worried about being misunderstood or rejected. You can overcome this concern by learning to share with the right people at the right time.

Building a Support Network

Engage with friends and family who uplift you. Be mindful of when to share your feelings. It is a common misconception that you should discuss mental health concerns during family time or social events. I strongly advise against it. Social gatherings often focus on reconnecting, leaving little room for deep emotional discussions. You risk feeling dismissed and undervalued.

Instead, set aside specific times to talk to friends or family members about serious matters. This way, you have their undivided attention. If you are ever in a crisis, speak your mind, no matter where you are. A crisis is an unexpected emergency that can happen to anyone at any time.

Sharing with family or friends can make you feel loved and supported. However, doing so with the wrong person at the wrong time might have the opposite effect. Not everyone is a compassionate listener. Some may dismiss your feelings or exacerbate the situation. Discussing mental health more often helps us become better prepared mentally.

Personal Experiences

Here are some fragments from my personal journey. At 19, a friend once said to me, "I don't want to hear about your problems." Her focus was solely on enjoying our time together. I appreciated her honesty. This taught me about managing expectations and realizing that people serve different purposes in our lives.

Before I became a therapist, I tried to support a younger family member experiencing suicidal thoughts. I confided in his mother that I, too, had struggled with suicidal ideation. She expressed surprise, saying she hadn't realized that her son and I were so weak. This conversation deepened my understanding of strength, love, and empathy.

Following my first suicide attempt at 15, I wrote a letter to my mother, seeking understanding and support. She was extremely angry, believing I was blaming her. Although I can't recall the letter's exact content, I was trying to convey my feelings. Her reaction left me feeling isolated. I thought she was crazy. In that moment, I realized I needed to take care of myself. It took years to understand that my mother lacked emotional intelligence.

Suicidal ideation is a complex mental health disorder. Often, individuals do not seek help because they feel they are seeking attention or that they are selfish. Many choose to end their lives rather than discuss their struggles. By bringing attention to this issue, I hope people gain a better understanding of the experiences of those who suffer. You can overcome these intrusive thoughts with the right support from a qualified professional.

Once, I shared with a friend that I experience panic attacks. Her response was, "I didn't expect you to be that silly." Years later, while speaking with a therapist, I recounted the incident. The therapist asked, "What did you expect?" This was a revelation for me. I had expected my untrained friend to grasp complex mental health issues. My friend wasn't trying to be hurtful; she genuinely didn't understand.

As a certified professional, I now comprehend their reactions. These interactions aren't driven by malice but rather by a lack of understanding of mental health issues. I'm pleased to share that some of these individuals have made remarkable progress and now provide substantial support to others. This highlights the importance of patience with one another. We are all in a process of growth and learning.

Seeking Professional Help

If you're feeling overwhelmed, consider contacting a mental health professional. Think of it like this: if your roof were leaking, you wouldn't rely on an unqualified friend to fix it. Similarly, if your car broke down, you wouldn't assume a family member could repair it just because they own a car. So, why do many people believe their unqualified friends can offer appropriate advice on something as complex as the mind? It takes a therapist at least four years to receive basic training.

Receiving advice from someone who lacks proper qualifications can often lead to harm. Even if an individual has attended therapy and believes they are equipped to give advice, their viewpoint is shaped by personal experiences. Just as a doctor would advise against sharing medication, mental health requires the same caution. This doesn't mean you shouldn't discuss your concerns with loved ones, but you shouldn't expect them to replace trained professionals.

Practicing Self-Care

Participate in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s reading, exercising, or spending time outdoors, self-care is essential for maintaining mental health. Incorporate socializing into your self-care routine, even if it's just with a small, close group. Spending time with loved ones can significantly improve your mood and outlook.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Integrating mindfulness techniques into your everyday life can reduce stress and enhance mental clarity. Engaging in basic breathing exercises or guided meditations for just a few minutes daily can yield notable benefits.

More on mindfulness https://www.tirnanogtherapy.co.uk/integrativemindfulness

If you're interested in a comprehensive approach to mental health, I provide the initial session at no cost. This allows you to assess whether this method suits you. Many times, individuals form opinions about a therapist based on superficial or subconscious biases like race or gender. From my experience, both as a therapist and a client, I understand that establishing a genuine connection with your therapist is crucial. The emotional depth of the therapeutic relationship influences what you are willing to disclose, which in turn affects the overall results.

Contact me to arrange a free session at tirnanogtherapy@outlook.com