By Rob Wolf
The focus of this column is all around supporting our mental health. There are many things that we can do for ourselves when it comes to looking after our mental health, including exercise, sleep, nutrition, positive self regard and social support. But from time to time many of us may need the help of someone else, a trusted friend, relative or a trained professional to help us sort through the challenges we face with our mental health.
People often ask: “How do I know when I need to seek professional help?”
Here are a few indications that seeking the help of a mental health professional may be a good step for you:
If you, or your loved ones, notice changes in your behavior or marked changes in your personality, eating or sleeping patterns, or you’re having trouble coping with daily activities. You are experiencing emotional distress, having difficulty regulating your emotions, or you’re experiencing prolonged sadness, depression, or apathy. You are using unhealthy coping skills, abusing drugs or alcohol, or you’re engaging in other destructive activities. You are experiencing suicidal thoughts or making statements about suicide or harming others. You are excessive anxiety, or your anxiety is becoming debilitating. You are having relationship problems and want to improve your relationships. You’re going through a transition that is unsettling. You have experienced a traumatic event or want help processing a traumatic event.
These are all real human experiences that we can frequently manage on our own, but there are times when we need help, after all, we are all human and struggle with the same human challenges. If you know of, or have a counsellor, never be hesitant to reach out to them from time to time as needed. If you have never been to a counsellor or therapist and don’t know where to start, Nova Scotia provides a free mental health consultation with a professional counsellor at Access Wellness, the contact is below. Access Wellness is a free single session supportive counselling service for individuals, couples or families. Professional counselors can help people manage stress, mild to moderate depression or anxiety, relationship issues, general mental health concerns, loss and many other challenges. There is no fee for the service, it is covered by Nova Scotia Health. As part of the session, you will receive kind, caring support, a professional pre-assessment and an action plan moving forward. They may also recommend or suggest other support as part of your action plan.
Consultations are available in person in Halifax, Kentville, New Glasgow and Sydney, via virtual online meetings or via telephone, whatever is most convenient for you. Most appointments can be booked in 48 hours or less up to a maximum wait time of five days. All consultations are confidential.
As we head into the winter months, a time when many of us struggle with our mental health, there is no better time than the present to take that most important first step to begin the process of reaching out to someone to get the help we need. After all, you are worth it!
Access Wellness Nova Scotia phone line: 1.833.691.2282
Access Wellness Nova Scotia website: https://accesswellnessnovascotia.com
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