May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. It is dedicated to promoting awareness, care, and support to those in need, and to erasing the stigma long attached to those with mental health, emotional, or psychological issues. As a therapist here in the Berkshires, I have the honor of working in a community with an amazing group of professionals who are seeking ways to combat depression, anxiety, trauma, family issues, adolescent issues, OCD, PTSD, and other conditions.
In this time of such uncertainly, you might want to take stock of yourself and ask how you could be better, feel better, function better. Talking to the right therapist may help you, not necessarily to make sense of todayâs world, but to navigate these choppy waters. I used to say, âLife is messy. Jump in.â Now I encourage people to ask for some help in cleaning up the âmessâ. There is no longer a blemish on your soul for seeking help. Therapy wonât cure all ills, but most therapists take pride in giving you the tools to work with to make life easier.
There are many independent psychotherapists in the community. Therapists can be found by personal referrals or online through the Berkshire Psychotherapy Network or Psychology Today. If you have had an inkling that some professional help might be of value but have felt shy or uncomfortable making that first call, muscle up. Pick up your phone or text or email. It is time to tackle these problems and you wonât be doing it alone.
