We’ve all become so inoculated by messages about mental health, that it starts to become meaningless. On World Mental Health Day, I thought I’d tell you what it means to me, a mental health specialist (psychologist)……
To me, mental health describes happiness. Happiness is that feeling of excitement when you open your eyes in the morning. Maybe, on a Monday morning, when you’ve got to drag the kids to school or put your work head on when you’d rather stick pins in your eyes, it’s not quite excitement. On those days, it probably feels more like being fine with the world, or more importantly your version of the world. But, there are still moments of excitement, laughter, joy, that are all about happiness.
If you’re not feeling moments of happiness, chances are there’s stuff going on for you. Mental health is very much like physical health, just less tangible. If you’ve managed to trap your hand in the car door, you know it hurts like hell, but the pain is temporary; a few painkillers later, the pain will be gone.
This is the same as mental health, some things that trigger poor mental health are temporary; you may need a bit of support but know it will resolve itself. If you’re not getting moments of happiness, it could be that you need some help. Nothing major, more like a little tweak of perspective.
That’s where I come in………it may feel like a lovely chat, but all the time I’m helping you search for what needs tweaking. When we’ve found the adjustments that need making, and we’ve changed the perspective and behaviour that’s keeping you stuck, we’re done. You can go off and be happy, truly happy.
Happy World Happiness Day to you all.