5 Reasons Why YOU Need A Mental Health Support Person

I know they say that doctors make the worst patients, but I’m going to go out on a bit of a limb and tell you that therapists, counselors and social workers might be able to give them a run for their money. Not because we don’t value the work, of course, but because most of us don’t have our mental health provider.

I know the challenges are real.

Finding time. Budgeting the money. Finding a professional who is in network with your insurance, accepting new clients and available after you’re done working doesn’t make it any easier. But most of us really don’t try. Either we’re too embarrassed to share that we need support or we don’t know how to shut off our helpers brain long enough to receive the help we deserve. Either way, I’m committed to changing this.

I love working with coaching, mentoring and supporting educators and mental health providers, not only because I know that it makes us better at helping, but because it’s amazing how transformative it can be to finally do something completely for yourself.

A few weeks ago, I started attending a local dance fit class. it’s women of all ages and stages of life, varying fitness levels, you name it. I go a couple times a week for an hour or so. I haven’t lost a hundred pounds or anything, but I do feel good going. There’s a motto for the group, “We work out because we love our bodies, not because we hate them!” and I absolutely believe that to be true. You know what else I believe to be true? You can’t promote mental wellness without actually practicing what you preach.

Now I understand that not everyone has a diagnosable mental health condition so treatment under your health insurance may not be an option, but most of us have access to a least a couple sessions through an Employee Assistance Program(EAP) or you can also sign up for a restorative coaching session on your own.

But in case you’re already ready to shoot down the idea or have a line of excuses as to why you don’t need this. Let me give you my 7 favorite reasons why you should make time for at least a check up with a mental health support just for you.

Hindsight may be 20/20, but foresight is priceless. Having a session or two with a trained clinician can help you see the potential bumps in the road BEFORE they cause major tire damage. Just like your semi-annual trip to the dentist, where seeing a tiny cavity before it destroys the tooth can save you time, money and pain, talking through minor challenges before they do major damage or your emotional well-being or relationships are just as effective.

Decreases isolation. Being a counselor or social worker, especially the only in your building or district can feel so isolating, being mentored or coached, can reduce those feelings.

Caregivers need care. Helpers can be notoriously bad at self-care, having someone whose role it is to support you, gives you a reminder to prioritize your own well-being.

Get new tools. Like teaching, counseling often happens in a vacuum, after grad school, no one is observing your counseling sessions or even giving your ideas on new techniques or strategies. When you are on the receiving end of an amazing session, you may get some new insights or tools that you can use with your own clients.

It feels good. The same reasons we encourage clients to participate in counseling or coaching applies to us too. The emotional exploration, personal development, growth and healthy engagement are all a part of the mental health development. When you are pouring into others 30-40 hours each week, refilling your own cup is essential. Engaging in pleasurable experiences is one of the first things that may fall off as we become busy and overwhelmed with life. Often, professionals who are experiencing the symptoms of compassion fatigue, notice that they have stopped doing anything for themselves at all. Being able to give compassion means we need to be able to receive compassion.

Did you know that I provide mental health support to individuals too? While most of my work comes from schools and organizations that contract with me to work with their staff, you can work with me one-on-one and get support or we can talk about my VIP groups were you get the added bonus of connecting with people on the same mental wellness journey as you. Click here to schedule a FREE consultation with me!