physical health & mental health
I went to the doctor today. She opened my mouth and said “whoa…somebodies infected”. Nice. Gotta love that reaction…
So I did the regular routine and picked up my 5 day supply of drugs (why does it take 30 minutes to fill a perscription that is already prepackaged per treatment…its not like you have to count the pills or anything!! ) and I headed home. Now, I only started getting sick yesterday…maybe the day before, and I was there at the doctor’s, first thing this morning. Many of us do this. If we know we are really getting sick, we go to the doctor and get drugs. If we break a bone, we have it set and put in a cast. If our eyes start to go, we see an eye doctor and get some glasses. We even go to see the doctor some times for a checkup, just to make sure we are on track.We take care of our physical health.
But what about our emotional health, or our mental health. Why is that different. Why do we look down on people that see doctors in that field? This has long been a source of frustration for me. So this week (prior to todays doctors visit) I decided that I was going to buck the trend myself and go in for a checkup: A checkup on my mental health. I have been through a fairly traumatic experience recently and it would be foolish of me to think that I am “above” being affected by it.
So I saw a licensed counselor…and it was great. I came away feeling validated in my grieving process (i.e. I feel like I’m normal, and healthy) and overall was given a sense that my mental health is in good shape (if it weren’t I’d gladly go back regularly till it were). Additionally, there were things we talked about that were kinda enlightening. He helped me in a couple areas of feelings that I didn’t fully understand. Now, I’ve always been a pretty ”self-aware” guy. There isn’t much that goes on in my head that I haven’t analyzed and fully understand. And the visit was still quite beneficial for me.
Anyway, I just wanted to tell the world that you shouldn’t be ashamed of seeing a professional counselor, whether personally or for your marraige. Mental health is as important as physical health. You should only be ashamed if you need to go, but don’t.
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Good post, Darren. As always, your honesty and willingess to share will surely benefit many of your readers. I feel blessed that we live in a day and age where caring for our mental health is becoming more and more accepted. During our fertility struggles, we benefitted (sp?)greatly from some sessions with a Christian pshychologist and I wouldn’t hesitate to see him again if I experienced a tragedy or other huge, life-altering event. Praying for you and Olivia often and hoping that you are well soon. I’m also encouraged by all of your work on Anthem of Hope.
I saw a counselor back when my Mom passed away. (14 years ago yesterday…where does the time go?) But that was not voluntary – my Dad made my sister and I go. I was painfully shy back then (not sure if you remember that about me, Darren, lol), so I never really made the most of it. I wish I had…I’ve thought about going back a lot recently. If I can find the time and the money, I will! I’m definitely not ashamed. I think you are right – it is just as important to take care of all that’s going on up in your head as it is to stay in shape physically…
I have been saying this for years. I am a nurse and it seems like a lot of believers take the mind out of the body. So if you are struggling with something emotionally then “you must not be trusting God enough” or you have a “spiritual problem”. Thank you for validating all the people who see counselors.
It is easy to fall prey to the myth that Christians don’t need this kind of help because now that we’re saved, all our problems are fixed and we have the word to help us and that’s all we need. At least, that’s what I was told and was in such a vulnerable place in my life, that I fell for and suffered for it.
I too bucked the system of man and went to see someone, a Christian counselor who was gentle and kind. Showing all the fruits of the spirit. Helped me tremendously. Prayed with me all the time.
Too commonly we think we need to have it all together in order to ‘be a good witness’. Which is such a lie. We’re so broken, and being willing enough to get our minds and hearts straight is the best witness.. if we’re willing to admit that we just don’t have it together, others will possibly see a human, ‘less than perfect’ Christian.
Thanks for this.
:) that’s all…
Amen. There’s such a stigma about going to a therapist. If you had a physical situation then everyone would say “Go to the doctor” but because it’s your “mind” then people just want to sweep that under the carpet. My husband and I went for a while for some “maintenance” (your car needs it to be in good shape, why not a marriage?) and now my husband is going for some addictive behavior that was starting to take a toll on our marriage. I am so proud of him for getting help and caring so much about us to get himself on the right track. I’m proud of you too! :0)
Being a Christian just gives you discernment you would not otherwise have. Seeking counseling helps you see for yourself where you are. I have very special people in my life that are fully with God because of the counseling they received to help them out of their ruts no matter what the circumstances may be. I believe all married people, especially those with children, should seek counseling once a year as a measuring stick to see where they are and what, if anything, they need to do to stay where they want to be; married!
Just my thoughts on the subject. Praise God you are doing well Darren! I continue to keep you and Olivia in my prayers.
i went to a Torture Training this week and many mental health counselors attended it. They spoke very strongly about the idea of mental health and if someone is working with a torture survivor, never mention mental health. They gave many techniques as to how to find out about mental health without actually asking directly.
It is not just our culture…
Rebecca, Kim, and Dania said it well. Thanks for helping to knock down the stigma and for being so transparent – that means so much to me. I couldn’t be more proud of you.
Yeah – I have asthma. Wanna guess how long it takes to fill that one. 20 minutes to go get it off the shelf and hand it to you.
Thanks Darren. Your honesty and hope will encourage others. I am constantly trying to de-stigmatize mental health counseling and psychiatry. God has blessed our world with wonderful counselors and doctors who can lead us to emotional and mental well being. Thanks so much!
Couldn’t agree with you more.
I totally agree. Sometimes you just need to stay in check. I have been going to counseling for a year in a half. It is just good to bring things into the light and keep on track in all areas of life!
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Darren for this post. I guess as Christians we have been told that there is no need for us to see a psychologist, but sometimes being able to talk about your problems can help put everything into place.
I appreciate your honesty. I love the header picture of you with your daughter. You both look sweet.
Hey Darren you are sooooo right and I agree. Thanks for the words of encouragement and courage…… You never know who your helping out when you share things like this.
Love ya,
Lavenia
Thanks for being honest. I couldn’t agree more. We all need the freedom to get some help in sorting our feeling. I am proud of you.