Mental Health Preparation and the Coronavirus

With the alarming news about the upcoming elections, fluctuating stock market, and the coronavirus, you may find yourself asking, "What’s next?"

We are ONLY in the third month of the year. Basically, it's still the beginning of the year and the first quarter, but it feels like so much time has passed as it's difficult to keep up with all the events. 

In the news, we are seeing so many deaths including those we have followed in the media for years. 

There's political unrest.

And the latest is the newest pandemic scare.

All of the above can affect our mental health as we are constantly reminded that there is only so much we can control. 

Now, the latest coronavirus is causing panic due to the unknown effects, the sudden deaths, and the economic impact.

Here are 10 things to do to help your mental health: 

1. Ask your providers about the option of virtual visits 

2. Consider mail-in prescriptions for you and your loved one's medicine 

3. Ask your employer about work-from-home options 

4. Contact your local elected official's office to know about updates in your community

5. Contact your or your child’s school about future planning procedures 

6. Ask your medical providers if scheduled procedures should be changed

7. Boost your immune system with healthy food and necessary rest

8. Remember where the important health documents are placed

9. Stock your home with nutritional necessities

10. Check on loved ones who are in health and correctional facilities and seek information about updates on future planning for their healthcare

The list above is to help transform panic into preparation. 

Lastly, be mindful of where and how much information you consume in the news as it can trigger and re-trigger your anxiety.  

Do your best to be proactive versus reactive.

Your Mental Health Needs Perspective

No, we are not late, instead, we decided to wait.

We decided not to go on social media immediately after the tragic loss of a highly respected sports icon. Although many used social media platforms as a tool to express their grief and shock we are aware that there are individuals who were triggered due to their personal experiences. Perhaps, for some, seeing tragedy dominate their social media feed shifted their mood and led them to avoid social media altogether. We also can’t help to think about those who are the loved ones of the victims who learned about the loss on social media and are now constantly reminded by quotes, clips, and other images.

Many of our clients have been sharing their feelings about the loss and how it has triggered unexpected feelings. This is not surprising.

It’s important to realize that moments of loss require spaces for grief, shock, and other mixed emotions. However, during this phase, perspective on life is often disregarded.

Unfortunately, we are often ONLY reminded of the superficial cliches of "life is short" and "live it to the fullest." LIVING WELL isn't just about checking items off a bucket list or living in the moment, but living with self-awareness, self-compassion, and openness.

We want to remind you of the HEALING POWER of having a healthy perspective on life.

Here are THREE (3) ways to nurture a healthy perspective on life:

1. Seek progress and not perfection. This applies to you and your loved ones. Be honest when you look for perfection, and understand that you are risking comparison and that will lead to a host of unhealthy feelings of inadequacy for your mental health. Instead ask, "Am I making progress in life and are my relationships evolving to deeper mutual connection and understanding?"

2. Be aware that forgiveness has a different meaning for everyone. Are you still waiting for forgiveness from someone who, possibly, does not share the same meaning or value of forgiveness as you do? Are you giving someone the power to force you to carry emotional weight? Forgive yourself for not knowing, for being scared to move forward, for holding on to emotions that caused stagnation in your life. We have a right to ask that forgiveness is received or accepted but it should be done willingly and not forced. “I’m sorry” is a powerful and healing statement when said to ourselves and others.

3. Live in acceptance. We have to accept that we do not leave this earth without suffering battles, some of which we will win and others we will lose and learn from. Also, remember that battles are not conquered alone. If you are facing a battle, you don’t have to do it alone. There is always someone out there who has walked or is walking the same path and understands.

Be aware, compassionate, and patient with yourself when struggling with your mental health. Healing is a journey that starts with you. Why not choose this VERY moment to have a NEW perspective on life — and not wait for another tragedy to do so.

Self-Love Tips Just For You!

Our intention at Counseling Space is to encourage you to celebrate self-love this month. 

Last week, I shared with you a giveaway promotion from Zen Box who is a proud supporter of Counseling Space. Today, I created self-love tips for you!

These tips are shared with clients at Counseling Space to allow a more holistic lifestyle. You can utilize the tips daily or when needed, but I suggest to practice at least 1-3 each day.

The great thing about this list is that many of these self-love tips listed are free!

Are you ready to rely on your inner resources to accomplish the steps to achieve self-love?

Why is self-love important?

Here are some of the benefits of practicing self-love:

1. Healthier lifestyle

2. Boosts in confidence

3. Healthy boundaries

4. and more!

Start your personal empowerment journey with love — download your Self-Love Tips today by submitting the form below!

YOUR SELF-LOVE TIPS

7 Simple Ways to Celebrate World Mental Health Day Everyday!

Did you know the world has observed World Mental Health Day on October 10th since 1992?

World Mental Health Day is a vital initiative created by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) an organization present in over 150 countries.

World Mental Health Day is an invitation to:

• ENVISION a world where mental health is a priority for all people
• BUILD awareness and advocate against social stigma
• IGNITE the discussion on best practices for promoting mental health in the school, home, and workplace
• CELEBRATE those who have or are overcoming mental health challenges
• and EMPOWER those who live in silence for fear of being discovered, misunderstood, or deprived of essential care

Depression affects 350 million people worldwide. 1 in 5 New Yorkers experiences a mental health disorder in a given year. A large percentage of public high school students report feeling sad or hopeless on a daily basis. Stress-related medical conditions and diminished productivity in the workplace costs U.S. businesses around $300 billion a year!

Mental health affects all aspects of our lives — and will affect someone we know! We can and MUST all do something to help shed a more positive light on mental health.

Wondering how you can observe this day for yourself? Here are 7 WAYS to do so:

1.    MAKE A PLEDGE, starting NOW, that you will make your mental health a priority every day. Shift or remove negative distractions that poorly affect your mental health and emotional stability.

2.    PRACTICE SELF-CARE by performing, at least, ONE good habit each day that nourishes your mental health. Regular exercise, eating healthy, meditation, seeking counseling, volunteering, journaling, and expressing daily gratitude are just a few of the effective and inexpensive self-care practices available to you.

3.    REGISTER FOR A GROUP THERAPY WORKSHOP focused on your needs and interests.

And how you can observe the day with your local community?

4.    SPREAD AWARENESS on the importance of mental health and help stop the stigma around the issue.

5.    REACH OUT to a loved one who has been facing challenging times and offer your support. Let them know why you value them.

6.    SIGN the WFMH Mentally Healthy Workplace Pledge or discuss at your next team meeting.

7.    PARTICIPATE in the Thrive NYC initiative to fight mental illness. They provide Mental Health First Aid trainings, mental health plans, and a 24hr text/hotline to name a few.

---

If you would like to read and share more encouraging news on mental health around the world here are a few of my personal favorites:

• In Japan: companies are hiring more employees who suffer from mental illness
• In Zimbabwe: the “Friendship Bench” offers a unique blueprint for mental health treatment
• In Great Britain: an innovative a mental health gym makes a world of difference

Recognizing that we need support is just one step — finding the right therapist or support group is an even more difficult step!

Celebrate this World Mental Health Day by making a positive difference in the life of a millennial woman! Take advantage of the MILLENNIAL MINDS! SUPPORT GROUP FOR MILLENNIAL WOMEN discount.

There’s only 1 DAY left to benefit from this discount!

We’re stronger together!

The S Word Can Kill You

Stigma and silence have power. But acceptance and sharing are even more powerful.

Are you one of many millennials suffering in silence? Even a decade ago, when many millennials would have been in high school or about to start their undergraduate careers, data showed that they suffered the same level of anxiety as the average psychiatric patient in the early 1950’s!

Today, and due to a lack of targeted mental wellness resources, many millennials do not know where to turn for help. Stigma causes many others to believe that their struggles are not that serious. Please believe that stigma is one of the main reasons that silences people and prevents them from seeking help. Stigma can kill!

At Counseling Space, P.C., we are here to remind you that you are not alone. Those feelings you are struggling with are not a passing thing. They are not “wrong.” They are worth talking about.

While some are lucky to have family and friends who are willing to support, their help can only go but so far. One-on-one sessions with a trained mental wellness professional, or attending a group session facilitated by such a professional, ensure that recovery is one step closer! A trained mental wellness professional is:

• Unbiased
• Able to notice patterns
• Equipped to teach emotional management and coping skills (see T-Kea’s video testimonial)
• Fitted to relieve your burden of responsibility by offering you a safe space to be as honest, authentic and vulnerable as necessary

Being honest about where you stand emotionally and mentally does not make you weak. Your honesty will empower you for your overdue breakthrough! There is no shame in asking for help from a professional or from like-minded peers in a facilitated group setting. Please speak up if you are struggling!

If you or a millennial woman you know is in need of support NOW, we encourage you to sign up for our MILLENNIAL MINDS! Support Group for Millennial Women. Our group is designed to enhance self-awareness, improve mental well-being, explore problem-solving techniques and MORE!

If you are looking for more information about the support group, visit our EVENTBRITE page. If you are seeking more information on millennial mental health, visit our blog to follow our Millennial Monday Blog Series. Lastly, please feel free to share the information in this post with those you believe it would benefit.

We look forward to welcoming you and your loved ones to our support group! As T-Kea mentioned in the video, let’s THRIVE together!

Have a great week!