Are you Okay? Mental Health Beyond the Stigma
Manage episode 484615692 series 3658125
When was the last time you honestly asked yourself, "Am I okay?" In this revealing conversation for Mental Health Awareness Month, we peel back the layers of what it truly means to be mentally healthy in today's complex world.
We start by challenging the stigma surrounding the word "mental" itself. Despite being simply related to brain function—the command center of your entire body—mental health often takes a backseat to physical health concerns. We explore why this disconnect exists and how it prevents many from seeking the help they desperately need.
The distinction between mental health and mental illness becomes clear as we dive deeper. Mental health encompasses your overall psychological wellbeing, while mental illness refers to specific conditions affecting cognitive functioning and emotional regulation. Understanding this difference is crucial for proper self-assessment and treatment.
Finding reliable mental health information can feel overwhelming with today's social media "experts" offering conflicting advice. We share practical guidance for identifying credible sources and tools like the PHQ-9 questionnaire that can help you gauge your mental wellness. Remember: gathering information from multiple evidence-based sources is key before making any health decisions.
Perhaps most important is our discussion about finding the right professional help. Like dating, you might not connect with the first therapist you meet—and that's perfectly okay. With options ranging from traditional in-person sessions to convenient telehealth appointments, support is more accessible than ever. We even highlight crisis resources like the 988 mental health line for immediate assistance.
Our conversation wraps with practical coping strategies anyone can implement: meditation, adequate sleep, journaling, setting boundaries, and music therapy. As Eckhart Tolle teaches in "The Power of Now," staying grounded in the present moment can be transformative when anxiety strikes.
Ready to prioritize your mental wellbeing? Listen now, share with someone who might need these insights, and remember to genuinely ask yourself and those you care about: "Are you okay?"
--------> https://www.apa.org/depression-guideline/patient-health-questionnaire.pdf
--------> https://988lifeline.org/about/
--------> Book: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Chapters
1. Welcome Back & Introduction (00:00:00)
2. Mental Health Awareness Month (00:00:48)
3. Differentiating Health & Mental Health (00:05:05)
4. Understanding Mental Illness (00:15:03)
5. Professional Help & Finding Resources (00:23:41)
6. Self-Care Strategies & Coping Methods (00:31:21)
7. Music Therapy & Final Thoughts (00:40:44)
5 episodes