Mental Health Advice

I think there is such a struggle with mental health because people either shut themselves off and don’t talk about their problems or they are often invalidated when they try to talk. Both are not helpful but honestly, I think that the second is worse. The courage that it takes to open up to a loved one, neighbor, school counselor, or a friend about mental health is enormous. Imagine building yourself up to finally share your feelings about depression only to be met with phrases such as, “it will pass”, “have you tried exercising”, or “go outside more, you probably need more vitamin D”. I think of those as bingo phrases, in which they are so common and you hear them so much that it feels like you are collecting phrases on a card to call out a bingo. People who use these phrases often come from a good place and feel that they are helping by giving suggestions on ways to make someone struggling feel better. The reality is that a person can think of ideas such as going outside or for a walk, but what they really need is help and to be heard. 

So if you love someone that is struggling with their mental health, it is okay to ask them how you can help or to simply validate their feelings. And if you are the person struggling with hearing constant bingo phrases reach out to Shinespace Counseling, I am ready and willing to help you on your journey to wellness.