Self Care

Self care is the first step: Mental health issues often go unnoticed. We often need to cleanse our minds, especially in this era of digital overload.

Self care is often looked upon as a selfishness.

It's not. There is a distinct difference.

When we are engrossed in nurturing and caring we often forget to look after our own well-being, or even just being. Our focus is entirely on keeping our loved ones comfortable and carefree, we overlook the fact that our own well-being is being compromised. How do we look after ourselves when we are so consumed by taking care of our family’s needs.

Two pillars: Physical, Emotional,

The physical aspect is easy to understand - eat well, sleep well, and exercise well.

But- have you noticed that at least one of these needs is not satisfied, unless we are emotionally fulfilled. i.e. when we feel bad, we loose our appetite and/or are unable to sleep, and sometimes even unable to get out of bed and do ordinary, everyday things. This is the time to recognise that we are not mentally healthy.

Mental health is not just about being strong or weak. It is about handling life’s situations- living even - with equilibrium. Counselling can help with just that.

Relationships, difficult life events often cause our thoughts to go around in circles, spirals - no beginning no end. Talking or discussing these things with friends or relatives may be inhibiting. We think their biases will colour the advice and help they can offer. That is why counselling is useful. A trained counsellor will help you by listening without judgement or bias offering you alternative ways to approach an uncomfortable situation.

A good counsellor does not see any issue too small or inconsequential. Every issue is treated with respect. This makes it easy for you to discuss your problem without embarrassment. You feel less alone.

Repeated visits to your counsellor helps in building a rapport that makes it easy to talk —disjointedly is you feel the need. This in turn helps you uncover deep seated traumas, unravelling the reasons for inexplicable behaviour patterns.