By Zack Zeigler
Mental Health: it is a topic that rarely gets discussed and a problem that many people never seek treatment for. However, in these trying times, it is something that everyone should take into consideration not only to keep them feeling positive, but to keep their physical health up as well.
Many people see mental illnesses as a sign of weakness or not being able to deal with what life throws at you. For Kylee Henderson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Cornerstone Care in Waynesburg, it is the exact opposite and something that she feels many more should consider.
“The college population seems more open to the concept of mental health while parents want me to wave a magic wand,” said Kylee. “They say that seeking help for your mental health is a sign of weakness but improving yourself is never a sign of weakness. Everyone has high and low points and sometimes it helps to have a doctor check you out.”
Several studies have been conducted on the effects mental health has on a person’s physical health and there has been a direct correlation. According to a 2012 study conducted at Harvard University, optimism correlates with good cardiovascular health and may even stop the progression of cardiovascular diseases.
With all this information at hand, the question remains how does someone take that first step towards improving their mental health. According to Kylee, the answer lies in what information you can find in your hometown.
“The first step would be to find out more information on the resources available around you,” said Kylee. “The first thing we would have you do is call for an intake appointment. This is where we gather information about your situation and then a counselor would recommend the next steps to take. They would decide whether counseling would be good or if there is another approach you should take.”
The next steps would depend on your age. Kylee sees everyone from kids to teenagers to young adults trying to find their place in the world. For each age group, a different approach is taken as the counselor grows with the person’s ever-changing needs.
“In kids, we work more with acting up and strange behaviors to help them handle their emotions better,” said Kylee. “For teenagers, we work on managing stressors and making you happier. As you move into adulthood, we work on managing those stressors more effectively, especially those with bigger implications.”
Working on your mental health is more important now than ever. With many people concerned about COVID-19 and the effects it can have on them and their families, it has caused many to succumb to their anxiety and depression.
Kylee says a way to combat this anxiety is to stay in the moment and control the things that you can control. “You should take the approach of staying in the moment,” said Kylee. “It is about how you make the most of the current situation you are in. You don’t have control of what you did or what is happening around you, so just focus on what you can control and how you can make yourself happy.”
If you are seeking help dealing with a mental illness feel free to contact Cornerstone Care in Waynesburg, PA. at (724) 852-1001 to make an intake appointment and learn what steps will be right for you.
