If you’re reading this, then the chances are that you understand how important MENTAL HEALTH is. 

Specifically your own. 

I think that sometimes it can be very confusing to know “who to call” when you need help with mental health challenges. 

Over the years, I have worked with and spoken to all kinds of people in various stages of their mental health journey. 

I have yet to see anything that outlines “who” to ask for help, depending on the situation. 

So I thought I would write this...and in the process, WAKE UP my old blog!

...

A basic guide to getting help with your mental health.

 

Here are 4 degrees of mental health, set out as a very basic list. Take with a pinch of salt. It’s simply to outline the severity.

 

1) Just a bit down

2) Stuck in a rut and stopped progressing in health, relationships or career

3) Feel flat, possibly on anti depressants, but has stability in home and work

4) Suicidal/self harm/can’t leave the house

 

My stance on mental health is to always side on the solution. Sometimes the logical or “sensible” approach isn’t necessarily the best.

 

For example, people who are at 2/3 could remain stuck in 2/3 if they get too comfortable or submit to believing that they are “broken.”

 

Although “labels and boxes” are important as mental health is a serious matter... We should also be aware that there is often a need for a flexible and more abstract approach.

 

A client/patient must feel safe, trusting, free from judgement and ultimately understand their progression journey.

 

A great coach/therapist knows his/her limits and lines of referral.

 

So here’s what I recommend:

 

SELF HELP BOOKS/COURSES: 1,2 (3 as part of a multi angle approach)

 

FRIENDS: 1,2,3, (4 with caution)

 

LIFE COACHES/CBT/NLP: 1,2, (3 with Specialist qualifications or high levels of relatability to the individual)

 

(THIS 👆is where I fit...just in case you’re wondering.)

 

PSYCHOTHERAPISTS: 1,3,4 (Sometimes therapists aren’t an ideal fit for people in 2.)

 

DOCTORS: 1,2,3,4 (it doesn’t hurt to go to the Dr. if you’re ever unsure. But I would highly recommend that you also look into additional options above and below. Doctors are amazing, but I feel the same way about Dr’s and mental health as I do about physical health. If you have a sore knee, you could see a physio or a massage therapist etc...)

 

COUNSELLORS: 1,3,4 (A great Counsellor can provide solid support short and long term)

 

PSYCHIATRISTS: 4 (When its more complicated and you need specific help)

 

PSYCHOLOGIST: 1,2,3,4 (All 4. Simply because a great psychologist will either have the solution or point to someone that does.)

 

SELF DIAGNOSIS/MASK: NONE

 

I hope that this has been helpful for you. 

Please do leave me a comment if you’re reading this :)

 

Tommy G