Seeking Counsel is Key to Mental Growth

More people have now come to understand that the idea of “mental health” does not only refer to those who suffer from clinical psychological disorders such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia or those who have been hospitalized because of some kind of nervous failure. Mental health is a term that applies to the everyday psychological and emotional well-being of all human beings.

Positive mental health refers to such things as the ability to cope with loss, peace of mind, ability to deal with conflict, self-esteem, ability to be in relationship with others in a productive and effective way, and being able to handle pressure and to equip yourself with sensible problem solving abilities. However, many times, people experience distressing events that leave them helpless and unable to live happily.

Sometimes, our distressing feelings are attached to a particular set of circumstances, person, or event. Other times, there is a rational understanding of why the feelings are experienced. Relationships, childhood issues, loss, financial pressure, and conflict are some of the issues that people talk about during counseling. Sometimes, the problem lies with people who are close to us and whom we feel we could talk to at such moments, but are too attached to the situation to genuinely listen to us with fairness and an open mind.

Most times, we find it difficult or feel ashamed to talk about issues that we do not understand ourselves. Childhood issues are usually kept quiet within families for loyalty’s sake or probable divisiveness. This makes it hard to find someone to talk to. In such cases, psychotherapy or counseling can become an important mental health resource.

Crisis Treatment
Mental health councilors often help people who need help dealing with distressing experiences in their lives. A councilor can help people who are distressed due to natural disasters or accidents and talk to people who have been through violent attacks, rape, or the sudden death of loved ones. Crisis treatment may be provided to patients when they become suicidal, threaten the safety of others, refuse to take medication, experience certain mental health problems or start using drugs and other harmful substances.

Addictions and Substance Abuse Counseling
Patients who have some sort of addiction can also be treated by mental health councilors. These include patients struggling with addiction to prescription or illegal drugs as well as alcoholism. Here, the counselor usually concentrates on helping the patient identify the problems, know its causes, and change behavior in order to recover. Patients may also be taught how to achieve and maintain recovery success.

Mental health counselors help people who are struggling with stressful situations, anxiety, or are having trouble making life-changing decisions. Many people often find it difficult to choose or change careers. Life changes that come with aging and transitioning from one stage in life to another are some of the experiences that counselors help people deal with. In many cases, counseling involves setting goals, working towards them, and controlling stress.