Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. In fact, your mental health impacts your overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, there is often a stigma associated with seeking help and while I think this is slowly getting better, there is no doubt the stigma still exists.

In honor of World Mental Health Day today, I want to normalize and encourage going to therapy or counseling if you are able to access it. No matter what you are going through, therapy provides a safe and confidential space where you can talk about your feelings, thoughts, and experiences with no judgement. A mental health professional is trained to help you peel back the layers to help you better understand and take on any challenges you are facing.

Finding the Right Therapist

Finding the right therapist may take some time as not every therapist is the right fit for every person. I tried a therapist many years ago that did not work for me and I gave up on the idea of going to therapy for a while. If you’ve been working with someone and it does not feel right, know that it may not be therapy that you don’t like, but rather the therapist or approach - don’t give up!

It was not until I was completely burnt out with work (and frankly life at that time!) that I decided to muster up the courage and try again. I looked on Helloalma.com - it allows you to filter through type of therapy (e.g., individuals or couples), specialty, insurance and virtual or in-person sessions. You can also search on Psychology Today. Most therapists offer a 15-minute or so consultation before you decide to work with them. I highly recommend coming prepared with a few questions, including asking them about their approach to mental health and telling them what you are looking for/what you need.

My therapist uses a holistic approach (yes, please) and specializes in anxiety, work/life stress, phase of life changes among other things. We’ve been working together virtually for about 2 years.

Other Mental Health Tips

In addition to seeking support (or in lieu of - its up to you!) here are some other ways you can support your mental health:

1. Practice self-care: Take time to do things that bring you joy and peace such as reading a book or going for a long walk, trying to make a new meal that fuels you. Saying no and setting boundaries can also be a form of self-care.

2. Get enough sleep: Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Lack of sleep may contribute to anxiety and depression.

3. Exercise regularly: Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and boost your mood. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week and on the days you need rest, give yourself grace.

4. Eat nourishing foods: Nutrient-dense foods can help improve your mood and energy levels. Focus on eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

5. Connect with others: Social connection is important for mental health. Make time to spend with friends and family, or consider joining a club or networking group to meet new people.

6. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and can help reduce stress and anxiety. Consider trying meditation or deep breathing exercises.

7. Journaling: Whether you are writing down what you are grateful for or a brain dump of all the things you have going on in your mind, journaling can be a powerful tool to help you feel less overwhelm.

If you're struggling with mental health issues, know that you're not alone and that there is help available.

*I am not a licensed therapist or medical professional. This post is based on my personal experiences.