YOUR Mental Health…
I work in the “mental health ‘field’.” I often tell people I have “no idea” what it means to work in such a “field.” This week I have realized something REALLY, REALLY important. YOUR mental health is YOUR “field.” It is YOUR responsibility. It is the direct result of YOUR thoughts and actions, or lack thereof. Yes, of course, I can TRY to help you and be a positive force for change in YOUR mental health, but the ULTIMATE REALITY is that YOU are RESPONSIBLE for YOUR mental health.
It seems to simple. It does not seem this can be true. If this is true, why is there such a thing as the “mental health field” at all? If this is true, I don’t really have a job. But I DO have a job… a job in this “field”… because many of us don’t believe it. We want OTHERS to “fix” us… we want pharmaceutical companies to make us feel less anxious… we want OTHERS to blame…
MY mental health is MY responsibility. No one else’s.
I do have a comment…
Yes, the ultimate responsibility for mental health is oneself. However many don’t know how to move forward and need that support and guidance, right? I think it’s an act of responsibility on the part of one’s self to actually take the step to seek help. Many times it’s tricky or so hard to do it on your own—especially in the case of kids trying to manage emotions and trauma and self-control. Using a mental health professional such as yourself is a great way to get the tools and ideas and support to start on the path toward healing and dealing with whatever challenges we face.