Bravery; Internal Strength; Renewal; Transformation
The ABC’s of Caring for Your Mental Health.
Be aware of your emotions and the thoughts and bodily sensations associated with them. We often categorize emotions as good or bad; however, they are neither good nor bad. Rather, they are often the first responders to what we experience in our world. They influence the way our bodies respond to our experiences and the way we think about things. They are the stuff from which memories are made and behaviors are formed. We often shun negative emotions as bad; however, emotions such as fear, anxiety, anger, and sadness are the necessary indicator lights of the things in our lives that need attention.
Attend to basic needs. Our body and mind are intricately connected; therefore, what happens to one can impact the other. For example, consider the acronym HALT: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired. Studies
have demonstrated that people are at higher risk for psychological distress and more likely to engage in
negative behaviors when they are hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. Taking care of our bodies is essential to
achieving a healthy mind. The includes at minimum eating a balanced and healthy diet, getting adequate
sleep, avoiding mood -altering substances, and engaging in physical exercise. Spiritual and relational
health are also intricately linked to mental health.
Consult help. Sometimes despite practicing awareness of our emotional state and attending to our
basic needs, psychological distress persists. When a negative emotional state lasts for longer than a few
weeks or causes significant impairment to one’s daily life and sense of well-being, it may be time to
reach out for help. Prolonged psychological distress can make it difficult to navigate normal life
transitions or find the motivation or energy to face difficult experiences. And unresolved trauma can
magnify this distress. We at Renew Integrative Counseling Center are here to help and would be
honored to be the one you consult should you find yourself “stuck” in prolonged psychological distress.
At Renew Integrative Counseling Center, we approach mental health from a mind/body/spirit
perspective. You will never be treated as a case or disease but as a fellow human being struggling to
navigate life ’s challenges. You don’t have to struggle alone.
