Mental Health Awareness month – a time to think about our mental and emotional wellbeing

The month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which aims to help us recognise the ways our mental health can impact our lives, what services are available, and encourage us to talk more openly about our mental health and feelings.

Talking about our feelings

Talking about our feelings isn’t always easy. In the past, mental health has very much been a taboo subject, which prevented people opening up about their mental health and associated conditions such as depression and anxiety. However, times have begun to change, and on the whole, people are much more open to talking about their thoughts and feelings and take steps to look after their mental health.

Factors that impact mental wellbeing

So many factors can impact people’s mental and emotional wellbeing, which can fluctuate on a daily basis.  One’s mood and mental health can change all the time, depending on so many internal and external factors.  These factors can include how you feel physically, personal relationships, work, your environment and community and what might be happening in the wider world.

Helping mental health

There are so many ways in which we can help our mental health.  I find activities such as socialising with likeminded friends, reading, walking in nature, yoga, meditation and healing practices such as mediation, reiki and sound baths really help me manage my wellbeing on a day-to-day basis.

However, I think the thing that’s had biggest impact on my life and my mental health has been taking part in counselling.  I first accessed counselling when I was in my late-20s and it was such a life-changing experience for me, it led my journey to train as a therapeutic counsellor.

Eighteen years on, I see the benefits of counselling time and time again with the clients I see.  Counselling can be such a transformational tool for personal growth and well-being. It provides a confidential non-judgemental space to:

• Explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours with a trained professional.
• Help you develop a better understanding of yourself, others and the world around you.
• Challenge negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies.

If you are thinking about having some counselling, but not sure how it works and if it could help you, I offer a free 15-minute call over the phone, so you can find out more about counselling and decide if it’s the right step for you.

To find out more and book an appointment call 01256 702140.