Mind Care - When is it time to reach out for support?

As I have been creating content for the self-care membership, it reminded me of the importance of "mind care" for our mental health.  You see in the membership I focus on all parts of us, meaning, the Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual. If we can maintain those four areas, we have a better chance at achieving balance in our life as we care for ourselves beyond the physical. 

But first what do I mean by "mind care" and "mental health"?

When I was a kid (with transparency I'm mid-50's now) the term "mental health" was not used in my circle anyway, it was "mental illness" which through my limited paradigm back then, meant something was seriously wrong.  I really did not know anyone who experienced it, so had no idea of what it meant.  In fact the term scared me, as I figured it meant someone would be locked up or put onto some serious medication.  Aaaahhh ignorance...

Let's zoom ahead to present day where the term "mental health" is used frequently, and the definition seems to be much broader.

"Mental illness, also called mental health disorders, refers to a wide range of mental health conditions - disorders that affect your mood, thinking and behavior.  Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorder and addictive behaviours.

Many people have mental health concern from time to time.  But a mental health concern becomes a mental illness when ongoing signs and symptoms cause frequent stress and affect your ability to function." *2

Having been someone who has suffered with bouts of anxiety over the past 7 years, I guess I can say that I too have experienced mental illness.  So glad my definition and paradigm have changed to understand it better.

Notice it says "anxiety disorders", this means it can present itself to people in many different ways, such as OCD, panic attacks etc. that include different symptoms. 

Depending on the disorder, symptoms will vary. Emotions, thoughts and behaviours can all be affected by these mental illness symptoms.  See the list*2 below:

• Feeling sad or down
• Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate
• Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt
• Extreme mood changes of highs and lows
• Withdrawal from friends and activities
• Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping
• Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations
• Inability to cope with daily problems or stress
• Trouble understanding and relating to situations and to people
• Problems with alcohol or drug use
• Major changes in eating habits
• Sex drive changes
• Excessive anger, hostility or violence
• Suicidal thinking
• Physical problems like headaches and other unexplained aches and pains

If you have tried different techniques and exercises and symptoms still persist to the point they are affecting your life it's time to see your Dr and discuss possibilities.

If you are someone who wishes to take an "energetic" approach, which is in no way a replacement for conventional therapy or help, then know that I offer 2 hour remote sessions (zoom) either in the form of a Chakra cleanse and balance, or a Crystal Healing session, or Usui Reiki - all come with coaching included, in your 2 hour session.

Here is what a client just told me last month: 

 "I am so happy to share you with people I know who are struggling.  As I know so well how hard life can be and how your sessions have helped me lately.

It is awful to have struggle with mental health.  Only people that have experienced the mental pain can understand and you saved me and have me so much help.  If only I would have been in touch with you 4 years ago I would not be struggling so much."  Marie, AB

When people ask me what is the difference between what you do and what others may offer, my reply is "my source of information doesn't come from a textbook".  

Please know I am in no way disrespecting professional services out there, they all have their place, I have used them myself, all I am saying is that everyone's needs are different as there is no one size fits all approach, at least to my knowledge.  It's just nice to know there are alternative options out there to try as well, and that is what I can offer you.

To read more about what each session entails, click on each service below:

Chakra Cleanse and Balance

Crystal Healing

Usui Reiki

Regardless of who you reach out to, be sure you do.  There are many resources and programs out there these days, so let Google be your best friend to help you source the help you need. You mind thanks you.

References:

*2  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968