May We All Find a Little Help

A recent update from the American Counseling Association (ACA) in my inbox caught my eye:

"On January 16, 2013, President Barack Obama released a set of proposals to reduce the impact of gun violence, following the tragic shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. In addition to provisions to restrict access to certain weapons and ammunition, the president’s proposal includes several initiatives to improve school safety and increase access to mental health services." 

National tragedies call for a national response and I'm glad President Obama is taking action. It is time to address the growing need for improved access to mental health services in our country. One thing we can do is to reduce the stigma associated with having mental health issues so we won't feel hindered to seek support when we need it.

We all experience challenges to our emotional well being and when we do we only have the tools at hand, the skills that we have been taught in life with which to work. For some of us, these coping mechanisms are few and far between. Mental health professionals can help us to outgrow our painful patterns and emotional problems- but only when we reach out for help.  

Brene Brown, in her new book Daring Greatly, points out "... the level to which we protect ourselves from being vulnerable is a measure of our fear and disconnection." Disconnection, as recent events illustrate, is a dangerous thing for us social beings.  

When our health and the health of our neighbors suffers it affects us all. Let's start to embrace this reality and the president's proposals to take better care of each other. We can begin by changing the way we talk about mental health issues and finding the strength, the words, and the compassion to encourage ourselves and each other to reach out when we need a little help feeling better...

Do you or someone you know need a little help reaching out, right now? Our intake counselors at The Banyan Tree Counseling Center are available weekdays to talk with you about how we can help. Our number is (706) 850-7041. What you share is entirely up to you and confidential.

May you be well, today and in the days to come, and may we all find a little help when we need it...