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Emmanuel L. Rock, MS, ALC, NCC
Associate Licensed Counselor/Board Certified Counselor
Weiss Lake Counseling Services, Mental Health Service
839 West Main Street, Centre, AL
256-927-5920
Emmanuel L. Rock | The Weekly Ledger News | www.weisslakecounseling.com
Welcome back, everyone. I hope you are all doing well. I'm always grateful to have this platform to share and inspire others, and I deeply appreciate everyone who takes the time to read, share, and engage with this information.
We have approached the month of May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month. This is a time when we should express the importance of maintaining our mental health and help reduce the stigma attached to mental health issues. This month is a reminder that we can create a society where we don't second-guess getting help, counseling, or treatment for our mental health. Mental health awareness is necessary for a good quality of life.
We are told to smile and not show our emotions, yet many people are struggling. The person you walked by at the grocery store could be struggling. Remember the crew member who took your order at the drive-thru? They could be struggling. What about your co-worker, who is always on time and seems to enjoy their job? Your coworker could be struggling. Mental health affects everyone differently. However, it's important that we take the opportunity every day to be receptive and validate what is going on within ourselves.
Here are the things NOT to say to someone who may be having a hard time:
Everything is going to be okay.
Cheer up!
There are people going through much worse.
Instead, try these statements to show your support and empathy.
I can see you are hurting.
I am here for you, no matter what.
I am just a call or text away if you need it.
I encourage you this month, and every month, to give yourself time to heal, practice self-care, love who you are, and talk to someone you can trust about how you're feeling. Allow your pain, heart, and voice to be felt, open, and heard. Some days are definitely harder than others, but thankfully, your entire life won't be filled with those tough days. It's important to take the time to understand and validate our feelings, rather than push them to the side. Remove negative thoughts with activities that will help you improve, like working out, writing, listening to music, or taking a hot shower. Just as it is important to take care of our physical health, it is also important to take care of our mental health.
Today is a new day, and a new opportunity to begin again on your mental health journey. Remember to be kind to yourself, and to keep striving for greatness. I believe in you - that you are strong, worthy, and capable of meeting any challenge that life may have in store for you.
Thank you for your time, I look forward to talking with you again.