Time to Talk Day – those conversations can really help
Today is ‘Time to Talk Day’. The purpose of this national day is to encourage people to talk about their mental health and how they feel.
Talking about our feelings isn’t always easy, plus there used to be quite a bit of taboo around mental health and associated conditions such as depression and anxiety, which still hangs over some people. Thankfully times have changed and moved on, and on the whole, people are much more open to talk about their thoughts and feelings and take steps to look after their mental health and wellbeing.
What can impact people’s mental and emotional wellbeing?
So many factors can impact people’s mental and emotional wellbeing, which can fluctuate on a daily basis. For me personally, my mood and mental health changes all the time, depending on so many internal and external factors. These factors can include how I feel physically, my personal relationships, work, my environment and community and what might be happening in the wider world.
Helping mental health
There are so many ways in which we can help our mental health. I find activities such as socialising with likeminded friends, reading, walking in nature, yoga, meditation and healing practices such as reiki or sound baths really help me manage my wellbeing on a day-to-day basis.
However, I think the thing that’s had biggest impact on my life and my mental health has been taking part in counselling. I first accessed counselling when I was in my late-20s and it was such a life-changing experience for me, it led me to take part in an introduction to counselling course, which was the start of my journey to train as a therapeutic counsellor.
The benefits of counselling
Eighteen years on, and I see the benefits of counselling time and time again with the clients I see. Counselling can be such a transformational tool for personal growth and well-being. It provides a confidential non-judgemental space to:
- Explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours with a trained professional.
- Help you develop a better understanding of yourself, others and the world around you.
- Challenge negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies.
If you are thinking about having some counselling, but not sure how it works and if it could help you, I offer a free 15-minute call over the phone, so you can find out more about counselling and decide if it’s the right step for you.
To find out more and book an appointment call 01256 702140.
Katie Creagh-Barry
Counsellor, The Odiham Clinic