Embracing Therapy: A Journey to Mental Wellness
It's no secret that I am a passionate advocate for mental health wellness. Among the various tools available, one that often gets unfairly stigmatized is therapy. My personal journey with therapy began when I moved to California for graduate school and found myself grappling with extreme depression and loneliness in a culturally isolated community. While it was the desperation that led me to the school counseling services, what unfolded was a transformative and beautiful process of reflecting on my various traumas and experiences.
Therapy can be burdened with a sense of shame, and it didn't help that my family wasn't initially supportive, even making light of my decision. Yet, a few years later, they embarked on their own healing journeys. I'm immensely grateful that I took that first step towards normalizing therapy and healing within my circle of friends and family.
Life has its way of unfolding, and I now find myself surrounded by an amazing tribe of supporters, including my therapist, my "paid best friend." Think of therapy as taking a moment to gaze into the mirror of your mind and soul, to observe, to notice, to reflect, and to craft tools for processing pain, embracing joy, and creating the life you aspire to.
In a world inundated with distressing news and the curated lives of strangers on social media, it's crucial to be mindful of what we consume, what we see, and what we hear, and to recognize how it impacts us. With a growing awareness and acceptance for therapy, here are some tips to take that leap of faith and expand your wellness tribe with professional help.
Tip 1: Embrace Your Uniqueness
There is absolutely nothing wrong with seeking help. It takes courage to acknowledge that you deserve support on your journey to mental wellness.
Tip 2: Harness the Power of Dedication
Your commitment to becoming well and recognizing your human experience as a source of strength is incredibly powerful. Remember, seeking help is a sign of inner strength, not weakness.
Tip 3: Normalize the Experience
It's far more common than you might think. Many people, from all walks of life, turn to therapy as a tool for growth, healing, and self-discovery. There's no need to feel alone on this journey.
Tip 4: Proactive Maintenance for Your Mind
Therapy isn't just for moments of crisis or trauma. It can be a vital form of self-care and maintenance for your mental well-being. Think of it as a way to nurture a more loving, peaceful, and balanced you.
Remember, you owe it to yourself to be well and balanced. Embracing therapy is not just a step towards mental health, but a testament to your commitment to living a fulfilled and joyful life.
You are loved,
Sakina
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