As a mental health counselor, I encounter stress, disappointment, depression, sadness and so many other challenging emotions with my clients each week. And, by nature, I am an emotional person! I often get asked how I am able to get through sessions and cases without becoming upset myself. The main answer is that I think strategically about where the person is and how I am going to help them get to where they want to go. That said, I still am impacted by their stories and struggles.
So often I tell my clients that they need boundaries and that the most important person to their well being is themselves. I do not mean it in a selfish way, but in reality, no one is more invested in you than you! You have to nourish yourself before you will have the energy to take care others.
Think of the airline message about putting the oxygen mask on yourself before your child! Once you are “safe”, you will then be “clear headed” to help others. This is the same theory we need to apply to our own mental health. Often clients ask if I take my own advise-the answer varies as to what advise, but as far as my mental stability the answer is YES!
I journal to release built up emotions. I engage in many craft activities to help me stay creative. I go to Reiki to relax as well as release stress. With this new year, I am listening to meditative music and spending some time clearing my mind.
I encourage you to find something that will nourish you mentally. Our mind needs us to care for it, just as we do our body. We need to give our minds rest, nourish our mental being, and release emotional toxins! Take the time, you are worth it!
As you journey along your path, may you take the time to nourish your mind as well as your body!