I vividly remember a class in grad school where some brave soul raised their hand and asked this question: “What is mental health anyway?”. At first I thought “well that’s a silly question”! Today I smile at the woman I was who, when I realized I couldn’t answer the question, I let the question gain value. My professor answered it this way… He believed mental health was simply being able to move from one life crisis to the next without being knocked down and staying down.
I held that same belief for a long time, but my definition has continued to evolve. I believe my professor was right about mental health being skills like this:
I also believe there’s a little more to this conversation. Mental Health is all about wellness. It is most definitely about healing what hurts inside, and it is about growing stronger mentally and emotionally. Mental Health is also full of qualities like this:
The work I do as a counselor often bridges this spectrum of mental health. I am so grate for for the work being done to remove the stigma for seeking help and mental illness. I am honored each time I sit with someone who reaches out for healing. My hope is everyone feels empowered to reach out when that help is needed. I also hope folks feel equally empowered to grow and increase their mental heath as that is some of the most life changing work anyone will ever do. Are you ready to increase your strength?
1 Comment
8/14/2024 04:54:38 am
The therapy in IOP was both challenging and rewarding.
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