As I thought about last week’s column on taking steps to be a more joyful person a couple of days ago, something hit me like a ton of bricks. My tips were fine if you weren’t experiencing anything out of the ordinary physically, mentally, or emotionally. But what if you needed more?
I know that I personally have needed help to be a more joyful person in the past. Some readers who know me well may be surprised to read this. I’m naturally an enthusiastic, positive person.
But even people like me encounter challenges in life (who doesn’t?), and I had a major one recently that made me decide to get some counseling. It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long time.
Thankfully, every time I’ve needed to talk to a therapist/mental health counselor, I’ve found someone who is a good fit for me. I started to see a local woman in December and have already felt much better about my original challenge and others I hadn’t even thought of in life.
I’ve been practicing her suggestions with incredible results. It helped me get through the toughest month in my own workplace – January. For central Indiana grant consultants, that’s the month when a lot of grant applications and reports are due. My work almost doubled last month.
But thanks to my therapist, I got though it all relatively unscathed. I’m probably going to bring her a little gift the next time I see her!
I’m blessed to be able to afford to see a counselor (my puny health insurance doesn’t cover it). I know others may struggle to pay for one. Luckily, we have options here in Hamilton County that are low-cost or free.
One of our former nonprofit clients, Ignite Transform, helps so many in Noblesville and beyond. They help women achieve physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. You can learn more at ignitetransform.org.
You can also visit Help4HamiltonCounty at help4hamiltoncounty.org to find even more resources. This is a diverse coalition of non-profits dedicated to making a positive impact in our county. Ignite Transform is a part of it.
Sometimes, I haven’t needed a counselor per se, but I’ve just needed someone other than a family member or friend to listen to me. This is when I’ve turned to my priest at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.
Father Block was a huge help to me years ago when I struggled with taking care of my mother. He and I took a long walk circling the church on a warm spring morning. I left that conversation feeling lighter than I had in a long time. Perhaps you attend church and can talk to a priest or pastor as well.
The most important thing, whether you seek a counselor or someone religious, is to find someone you’re comfortable with. Sometimes an individual just isn’t a right fit for you. If they’re truly professional, they’ll understand if you need to look elsewhere.
I’ve been so pleased to see our society be more accepting of people seeking therapy or other paths to healing their mental health. It’s truly a game changer for both our personal and professional lives!
Amy Shankland is a writer and fundraising professional living in Noblesville with her husband John, two sons, two dogs and a cat. You can reach her via email at amys@greenavenue.info.