Words of wisdom from the therapy room
We all have different experiences when it comes to our mental health, but often we can be comforted by the same words. If you’re experiencing mental ill-health, seven counsellors offer their words of encouragement Writing | Becky Wright
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rom stress to anxiety, bereavement to body image problems, we all face different challenges in our lives. And, although it can be difficult, talking about what you’re dealing with is one of the best ways to open yourself up to a wealth of support. The proverbial saying, ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’ might not be strictly true, but it can certainly help to lighten the load for you. Remember, no matter how you’re feeling, you are worthy of help. Here, we offer some words of wisdom about seven common mental health issues.
IF ANXIETY IS GETTING IN THE WAY OF YOU LIVING YOUR LIFE Feeling anxious from time to time is normal. It’s a sign that you’re human, and are pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. There is a difference though, between the feeling of butterflies and something more sinister. Person-centred counsellor, Andy Kidd, explains how to work out what is causing you to feel this way. “It’s important to break down what you’re anxious about. Be specific. Defining problems helps to find
solutions. When you are feeling anxious, what are you paying attention to? What scares you most about it? Why?” Once you’ve determined the cause of your anxiety, the next step is to tackle it head-on. “Anxiety screams ‘Avoid!’, often leading us to assume the worst. But one useful tip is to voluntarily face challenges, rather than bracing for disaster,” says Andy. “The trick is to hear what your anxiety is telling you, then tell it something back. Therapy, particularly assertiveness training, can teach your anxiety that you’re more capable and braver than you thought.”
IF STRESS IS OVERWHELMING YOU Although stress isn’t an illness in itself, it can affect us in many ways. From sleeping problems to loss of appetite, or sweating, many physical symptoms can occur when we’re feeling overwhelmed. 30 • happiful.com • November 2019
“Stress is the body’s natural defence mechanism against perceived dangers,” says counsellor Carole Brooks. “But, unlike our stone-age ancestors who could fight in the face of danger (reducing harmful hormones), we can’t do this with today’s stressors.” For this reason, Carole explains learning to control our response
to stress is imperative. For some, this can mean making some ‘metime’, exercising, or mindfulness. For others, it’s not as simple. If you’ve been feeling stressed for a prolonged period, consider what changes you could make to your life. If your stress is work-related, it might be beneficial to speak to your manager, or even seek a new job if you’re able to.
