Why Mental Health Matters
Physical and Emotional Functioning
As a nation, and as individuals, we often pay more attention to our physical health than that of our mental health. Let’s consider, for example, a woman who discovers that her neck pain is preventing her from turning her head from side-to-side. Immediately, the woman checks in with her primary healthcare physician, and may be referred to an orthopedic doctor or a chiropractor for further examination and care. This woman makes sure that she gets a cure for her neck pain because she cannot endure the discomfort, and wants to regain the ability to use her neck effectively. The ability to look sideways and backwards is of utmost importance to the woman’s daily functioning.
Just as some experience physical pains in the neck, there are also mental and emotional stuck places that can impair our ability to move around properly in life. These emotional stuck places can be related to difficult parts of our past that may need support from a mental health professional. Some of us may take pleasure in reminiscing about our past. We may recall our childhood, our days of youth, and funny experiences that make us smile with nostalgia. But for many, remembering the past may also bring with it the dread of dredging up old, painful memories.
Support Assists in Healing
It can be very difficult and triggering to remember unresolved parts of our past, without the proper support. For some, this difficulty may be a result of past suffering and trauma, resulting in the shame they may still carry to this day. Difficulty looking back may also correlate to choices and mistakes we regret- causing us unprocessed guilt and self-condemnation. Consider the hypothetical example above of the woman seeking relief from physical neck pain. The physical pain was enough to motivate her to seek medical help so that she could retain movement and functionality. But so often, we avoid seeking help for the emotional and mental pain in our past, which is just as hindering as physical pain- perhaps moreso.
Haunted by the Past
There are countless people struggling and in need of support in our world –even our own relatives, children, parents, friends, colleagues and loved ones. These individuals live life in the shadows, while their unprocessed past causes them much impairment. This type of emotional and psychological pain is not a problem typically addressed by a primary healthcare physician. Unprocessed pain from the past can negatively affect the brain and our emotional life in relationship with others. For some, this may be as a result of poor attachment with their early caregivers. Traumas from the past such as abuse or neglect can also affect one’s mental health. Support and healing can help to prevent additional pain and impairment.
Hope for the Future
When we have a mild physical health concern, we rush to the primary healthcare physician for immediate help. However, we often neglect to seek help for our mental health needs, which are just as important as our physical ones.Without the proper mental health support, we can cope with our pain in unhealthy ways. Addiction, gambling, etc. can become an attempt for escaping pain, in place of asking for needed help and support. Seeking help from a mental health professional for past trauma and pain can help guard against problems with self-harm, relational difficulties, and depression and anxiety. There is help for those seeking support to process their pain! Support from a mental health professional can make a profound difference in your life.
At Sync, we are here to support you in addressing mental strain that makes it difficult to “look back”. With the right support, you can live life to the fullest– now, and into the future. We look forward to hearing from you. Please call Sync at (626) 802- 5490.