Removing the Stigma

Every week I meet new clients and have the privilege to work with a wide spectrum of mental health struggles. Yes there are extreme cases that keep me awake at night and weigh heavily on me. Humanity at its worst and the price of the pain and consequences defenseless individuals pay with mental health is heart breaking.

If we could be truthful about our own mental health struggles that emerge simply by living life – the stigma and shame would be removed and the struggles could be addressed before reaching the out of control spiral. If there was less judgement and more empathy we could talk about our struggles and seek help before reaching burn out or hitting the irrational trip switch of destructive behaviour.

Angry behaviour is covering under currents of fear of: Rejection….Judgement…..Not Enough….Poor Self-worth and so on. These are all fear based emotions that trigger angry and defensive behaviour and typically emerge in committed relationships. What was supposed to be happily ever after – presents itself as the torture chamber.

We may come to the conclusion that we have made the worst mistake of our lives by marrying and having children with a person who in reality probably matched our own level of emotional maturity at the time. In a marriage/committed relationship we are forced to confront that, which is actually our own emotional unresolved pain.

Reaching a point of: “I can’t any more” or “I don’t want to have this person in my life anymore” or even reaching a place where we believe that ending my life might be the solution, as I just need this pain to stop is the big wake up. Here logic and reason don’t exist and can be a serious crisis that may need medical intervention.

The stigma attached to finding yourself spiraling, is heightened by society that SHAMES mental health as a personal failure – hence humanity has perfected the art of pretense until the pit of depression and anxiety becomes so deep that we don’t believe there is a way out. It takes courage to make that first appointment as we have been conditioned to believe that mental health struggles means weakness.

Creating awareness of mental health is vastly neglected but is becoming much more open. Radio stations have regular slots giving information. It is very encouraging to hear and see people normalizing this vitally important aspect of overall health.

We need to take responsibility for ourselves and seek help. Learn about new ways of feeding our own mental well-being. Face your past with new perspective. The future has not happened yet, don’t spend energy on what may never be. All we have is the present. You are responsible for who you choose to be regardless of your story or your circumstances and sometimes we all need a little help. Even the hardy Lavender will not survive without water.

Life coaching is a practical outcome talk therapy.

Neuro-Linguistics (NLP), Modern Applied Psychology and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

For more information contact: Karin Engman @ Mind Wellness 082 7246985

For your appointment @ MIZPAH (opp JJ School) or @ HUMMINGBIRD (home office) - ERMELO

Published Author: “A Path of Choices”