Benefits of Counseling
We in America are lucky enough to say that things are “slowly moving” towards an increasing sense of normalcy post-pandemic. Nonetheless, the onslaught of daily reporting of the Covid-19 virus, and the devastation this pandemic has caused, has become an ongoing and unsettling daily experience for all who watch any type of media and news coverage. Even for those who work hard to avoid news coverage, the ever-challenging external environment and the impact on local and nationwide economic, commerce, unemployment rates, has been a constant reminder that things are not what they used to be.
As mental health professionals, we are aware that this pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of our community, our nation, and the world at large. We also understand that life is filled with challenges to overcome and we recognize that challenges are essential to growth. Throughout this pandemic, we are called to hold space for those who are challenged to adjust to the ever-changing world around us.
Thankfully, human beings are incredibly adaptable and resilient and have a long history of learning to survive and thrive, despite enormous obstacles.
So how has the Covid-19 pandemic impacted mental health? Rises in stress, post-traumatic stress, general anxiety, substance abuse, and depression are being reported nationwide. Despite such, the stigma associated with mental health struggles can create a sense of shame and an avoidance of seeking the support of counseling. This is unfortunate, as counseling can be an incredible support and a great assistance to improving the mental health of individuals, couples, and families.
Counseling can assist with helping people to move toward greater resilience and to establish a commitment to survive and to thrive.
There are many strategies and self-care routines that can provide significant relief from stress and depression. Those who are able and willing to “pick up the ball” and establish supportive daily habits fair much better and report an increasing sense of a return to normalcy. While it is tempting to go ahead and list the various tips for improving mental health, let us first consider the potential benefits that many have reported, many who found themselves unemployed and able to collect unemployment benefits. Speaking with my colleagues and of course, with the clients that I serve, one benefit that stands out for this writer is that many people have been able to take the time to reflect upon what they want to do in life and, also, what they no longer want to do. Many are commenting on increased awareness of what is important for them, who is important to them, and a sense of urgency to be more mindful of honoring their lives, their loved ones, and their dreams.
Change often happens incrementally and “baby steps” can go a long way when a commitment to continued growth and change is sustained. The mind’s tendency to promote homeostasis, which can look a lot like “maintaining the status quo,” is crucial to our survival, but can also be detrimental to our desire to commit to changing our health habits. Staying at home and socially isolated has become the norm for many and one that can unproductive to mental health and general happiness. If one is wanting to feel better, it is crucial to do something different than what they have been doing. Consider taking review of your current lifestyle and routines and ask yourself if you feel better during and after these activities or whether they are simply distractions and ways to avoid feeling. The good news is that numerous wellness practices have shown to be effective in promoting mental health and can also be creatively and uniquely adjusted to the needs of each individual.
Once again, it is important to consider the benefits of processing your thoughts, feelings, concerns, and struggles with the neutral support of a mental health professional. Clarity improves considerably when our thoughts are spoken aloud and when we have more clarity we can begin to tap into our own intuition and self-guidance. You can also consider committing to getting enough sleep and rest (averaging seven to ten hours depending on age and general health), establishing healthy and regular nutrition, drinking eight to ten glasses of water daily, and engaging in regular aerobic exercise, meditation, and enjoyable stress-reducing activities. It is also completely pertinent that we build upon our connections to healthy people in the community and emotionally healthy friends and family. Connection to spirituality and creativity can also be profoundly healing on both good days and through times of struggle.
Lastly, consider that we are all unique and so it is tremendously important to honor your dreams, desires, and inner knowing. There is no time more important than the present to take the best care of ourselves and our lives.
We are available on our phone number 828.669.9798 or by visiting our website www.blackmountaincounseling.org.
