Usually, during a physical illness, there are tell-tale signs one experiences in their body that act as a guide to decide when a see to a doctor. With regards to matters of the mind, one usually doesn't know what cues to look for, to warrant a visit to a counselor or a therapist. Today, the 10th of October is celebrated every year as World Mental Health Day. WHO commemorates this day to spread awareness around mental health. Knowing when to visit a mental health professional is the first step towards taking care of your mental health. WHO defines mental health as: ... a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community (WHO 2001a, p.1). Going by the definition it is apparent that mental health is not the absence of mental illness. If mental health is not the absence of mental illness, how can one be aware of the fitness quotient of their mental health? Going by the now known definition of mental health, let me explain four ways one can know if they might benefit seeing a counselor or a therapist. 1. Knowing your self We all are born unique. We vary in our traits such as skills, aptitudes, and abilities to learn and perform. We vary in our personalities, motivation, preferences, ways in which we perceive, and respond. To quote, "To truly know yourself is the most important skill you can ever possess." Knowing oneself helps to minimize conflict both within and with others, get better with decision making thereby leading to a more vibrant self. A vibrant you is a mentally healthy you! 2. Managing your Stresses Do minor annoyances of day-today living make you feel as if life is a constant battle? If you feel so, it is important to evaluate how you cope with and respond to the normal stresses of life. Chronic stress leads to anxiety, depression, and a host of other physical ailments. Fine-tuning your responses to daily stresses leads to a healthier and happier you. A happy you is mentally healthy you! 3. Being productive Productivity is marked by abundance and achievement: Each of us has our expected measures for the quality of our life. The measures could be related to physical and emotional health, professional success, financial abundance, social recognition, the strength of our relationships, and so on. How one measure oneself around each of those expectation has a direct impact on one's mental health. Being cognizant of what levels in each area is achievable and what area would benefit from a reset of expectation can make one feel productive. A productive you is a mentally healthy you! 4. Feelings of belonging As humans, we crave a sense of belonging to a community. Wanting to not belong is also a want to belong to a community of those who do not want to belong. Understanding differences and practicing acceptance of self and others is important for one to feel belonged. Finding and contributing to a community where one feels belonged creates a social identity and improves one's self-esteem thereby impacting one's mental health. A belonged you is a mentally healthy you! If you miss being vibrant, happy, productive, or feel belonged, it can be your cues to see a mental health professional. A counselor or a therapist is a trained mental health professional who can guide you to be vibrant, happy, productive, and feel belonged through ways as unique as you.
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