Break the Silence: Priorities Your Mental Health and Thrive

Mental health is the most important factor in our overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked and shrouded by stigma. Many people struggle silently, feeling isolated and overwhelmed because it is not as obvious as physical challenges.

Understanding Mental Health

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how we perceive reality, which has a knock-on effect on how we think, feel, and act. Our thoughts and attitude play a key role in how we handle stress, connect with others, and make decisions. (Hence why I stated it is the most important factor in our overall health. A healthy mind makes healthy choices).

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

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

Practical Down-to-Earth Advice on How to Prioritize Your Mental Health for the Best Outcome

• Build a Support Network: Engage with friends and family who uplift you. Be mindful of appropriate times to share your feelings. It is a common misconception that you should share your mental health concerns during family time or social events. I would strongly advise against it. Social events and family gatherings usually are a time when people haven't seen each other for a long time. People will be excited to meet and greet everyone and will not have the time to be attentive to your needs and concerns on a deep emotional level. You run the risk of feeling dismissed and not valued. It is a good idea to set aside specific time to talk to friends or family members (about serious matters) that way you have their undivided attention. Of course, if you are ever in a crisis, you should speak your mind, no matter where you are. A crisis is a state of unexpected emergency. It could happen to anyone at any time.

  
  

  Sharing with family or friends can make you feel loved and supported, but doing so with the wrong person at the wrong time might have the opposite effect. It's important to recognize that not all your friends and family will be compassionate, good listeners, or emotionally intelligent, as everyone is different. Unfortunately, some people have friends and family who may dismiss their feelings or exacerbate the situation. Discussing this topic more often helps us become better prepared mentally.

  
  

  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 wasn't upset by her honesty; in fact, I appreciated it. This taught me about managing expectations and realizing that people serve different purposes in our lives.

  
  

  Before I became a therapist, I was attempting to support a younger family member experiencing suicidal thoughts. I confided in his mother that I, too, had struggled with suicidal ideation. She responded by expressing surprise, saying she hadn't realized that her son and I were so weak, as she considered us two of the strongest individuals. This conversation contributed to a deeper 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 with me, believing I was blaming her for something. Although I can't recall the letter's exact content, I don't think I blamed her for anything. 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 appeared to me my mother would not. It took a number of years to realise my mother lacked emotional intelligence.

  
  

  Suicidal ideation is a complex mental health disorder. Often, individuals do not seek help because they are made to feel as though they are seeking attention, or that they are evil or selfish. Many choose to end their lives rather than discuss their struggles. Hopefully, by bringing attention to this issue, people will gain a better understanding of the experiences of those who suffer. And also know that 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, unqualified friend to grasp complex mental health issues. My friend wasn't trying to be hurtful; she genuinely didn't understand. She was used to seeing me as intelligent and insightful, so it surprised her when I revealed my struggles with panic attacks.

  
  

  As a certified professional, I now comprehend their reactions. These interactions aren't driven by malice but rather by a deficiency in emotional intelligence and 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, highlighting the importance of patience with one another. We are all in a process of growth and learning. Some people act out of cruelty, while others are simply uninformed. Time reveals the difference.

  
  

• Seek 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, untrained friend or family member to fix it, or 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 now equipped to give advice, keep in mind that their viewpoint is shaped by their personal experiences. Similar to how a doctor would advise against sharing medication, even when symptoms appear identical, due to potential underlying conditions. 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 take the place of trained professionals.

• Practice 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 result in 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 own experience, both as a therapist and as 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 sesion tirnanogtherapy@outlook.com