Conversation on mental health is a fearful and stigmatized conversation. It is typically avoided or frowned upon, especially in certain communities. Seeking help is seen as a weakness but it is quite the opposite. Reaching out for help especially when you know you can't keep going is not only courageous but also a sign of strength.
In reality, a counselor treats your mind and emotions in the same way that a doctor treats your body. Understanding mental health is a constant process of change as we grow and learn. However, it comes with its set of misconceptions and misinformation.
The misconception that you MUST have a mental illness to speak to a professional is wrong. Counselors are individuals who work in the mental health profession. However, their job descriptions aren't just to help individuals with mental illnesses. Counselors cover more than just that, dealing with everyday issues like time management, career transitions, and relationships.
Another misconception about seeking help for our mental wellbeing is that it is a quick process to solve your problems. This is very much incorrect, There is no such thing as a quick fix when it comes to our mental health. Treating our mental health is just like being healthy physically, we exercise, eat healthily and with time we see the results.
Besides that, there is this whole idea that if you seek help, there's something wrong with you. It takes courage to speak to a counselor or a therapist. The sole purpose of speaking to a counselor is so that you have some sort of guidance. these mental health professionals have a set of ethics that they abide by. hence when you seek help to speak to them they attend to you with absolutely NO JUDGEMENT.
Lastly, the misconception that counselors will put you on medication, counselors are licensed professionals who are NOT doctors. Counselors work with a psychiatrist who is a medical doctor together creating treatment plans for their clients, some cases may include medications, some may not. A licensed mental health counselor can provide counseling and therapy to help clients cope with mental health challenges but they are not, by law, licensed to prescribe or recommend medications that are only the task of a doctor in this case a psychiatrist.
~Lavannia~
NOTE: When dealing with mental health concerns it is best to seek assistance with a licensed mental health professional.
Comments