By Lindsey Kotynski Garrigus, MA, LMHCA
Guest Columnist
You may ask yourself, what is mental health? Why is it so important? The U.S. Department of Human Health and Services (2022) defines it as “our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act.”
Mental health is all encompassing, so why is there be so much stigma around people needing help with it? Hamilton County is focusing on erasing mental health stigmas in honor of Mental Health Awareness month. I would like to join in these efforts.
I have heard many people say, “I don’t need to go to therapy. I’m not depressed, anxious, grieving, etc.” What if I told you that everyone could benefit from therapy? Therapy is for anyone who wants to learn more about themselves and grow as a person. This could be in the form of processing hurts, grievances, or trauma. Or it could help someone distill their values and goals to guide them closer to the person they are hoping to become.
How would the mental health of our nation shift if going to counseling were celebrated instead of criticized? What if there was no stigma associated with doing the work to become the best person, parent, friend, or spouse you could be? It takes great courage to enter counseling, but those who find this courage experience tremendous personal growth.
Have you ever found yourself worrying about things that others are able to brush off? Do you have behaviors or thought patterns that keep you from achieving your goals? Have you ever been frustrated with your child for a behavior that you can’t get to stop? Could you and your spouse benefit from healthier communication? Have you ever questioned what you should do with your life? Have you ever just felt alone and wanted someone to listen to you?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, counseling is for you or your child. As a counselor, I hope to give clients a safe space to process emotions, thoughts, and actions without judgment. I hope to help people recognize and meet the potential of who they are. I aim to help people feel heard and known. And I strive to help people find the beauty and strength in vulnerability. I hope to destroy shame and low self-worth. Brene Brown (2013) says, “If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can’t survive.” If any of this sounds appealing, counseling is for you.
So, can we all agree to cheer on those that are fighting for their mental health? After all, it does affect every aspect of our lives, including our relationships. Let’s be a community that praises others for working towards wholeness instead of contributing to brokenness.
Thank you to all the community leaders in Hamilton County who prioritize mental health and are breaking negative stigmas.
Lindsey Kotynski Garrigus, MA, LMHCA, provides individual, family, adult, child, and adolescent therapy. For more information or to see if Garrigus could help you or a loved one, please visit thrivepointe.com/our-team/lindsey-garrigus or call (317) 978-5501.
Sources
Brown, Brene. DARING GREATLY: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead. London, England: Portfolio Penguin, 2013.
“What is Mental Health?” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. February 28, 2022. mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health