I've noticed there are several mindsets when it comes to seeking professional help for managing ones emotions. There are those who find it a sign of weakness or something only a severely mentally ill person might do and there are those who are skeptical but may consider it if they are experiencing enough emotional distress. Every once in a while, I find someone like myself who views it as a normal way to seek help just as someone would visit a medical doctor for a stomach pain. Interesting enough, 60% of all doctor's visit are related to some sort of mental health concern.

I grew up in a household where we were encouraged to "be strong," not be too emotional, and deal with our problems on our own. Ironic that I became a counselor and receive tremendous satisfaction from validating others emotions. I suppose I have an inate understanding of how isolated one can feel when there is no one available who is "skilled" at witnessing ones pain. I rememeber when I discovered therapy and how liberating it was to discover that one could actually pay someone to listen and help and not judge, critisize or tell me not to feel a certain way. How free it felt to actually feel an emotion, know what it was and accept it was ok.

I have heard people say they feel "pathetic" or "weak" reaching out for help, especially to someone they do not know. I say, "good for you for knowing how you feel, now let's explore why you feel that way." Our family and life experiences shape us and help create our feelings. If someone feels weak for seeking help from someone trained to provide it, what message did they get from their families growing up and how have those messages affected how they feel about themselves today? Therapy is not about placing blame on our families of origin(although sometimes it is necesary)but understanding our pain so we can move beyond it.

If you are struggling with mental health concerns, or physical complaints that you just can't put your finger on, visit a mental health provider. If your insured, call the mental health number on the back of your card for a referal. If your uninsured, call your local community mental health center or church, or ask your doctor if he or she knows mental health providers who will charge clients based on income. If your struggling with the stigma of seeking outside help, do it anyway. Your sessions are always confidential and once you feel better you may be less concerned about what others might think.