National Coffee Day, National Coming Out Day, National Breast Cancer Awareness Day, National Stop Bullying Day, and National Trick or Treat Day—plus dozens more (if you believe it) are all named celebrations in the month of October. Whether these days resonate with you as celebratory or reminder days—or not—they serve a purpose in the lives they speak to.
World Mental Health Day also takes place in the month of October and, for mental health care providers, World Mental Health Day provides a sense of hope and due diligence as its goal is to raise awareness of mental health challenges and mobilize support. As a provider, I see every opportunity to talk about mental health in the public realm as a stage for growth, working to change the stigma, and empowering individuals to seek help. Mental health is part of our overarching health journey—affecting our personal health, relationships, jobs, schooling, and every other facet of life. Seeking help for mental health is one of the purest forms of self-care.
Anxiety and depression are some of the challenges that have been heightened in response to this pandemic. If you’re recognizing these feelings in yourself, you are not alone. And it’s never too late. With the onset of the pandemic, access to care has been greater made possible by Telehealth. Now, you are able to see your therapist without carving out time for a commute, which can be twofold in helping to manage anxiety and depression.
Let’s build a world where challenges with mental health are normalized. Where our brain deserves and receives as much care as our hearts, stomachs, and even our stubbed toes. Let’s nurture our minds and build a world where mental health needs are met, and the connection between health and mental health doesn’t go unnoticed. Let’s recognize how we are and where we are and own it. Let’s enable seeking help before we are at the point of crisis. Life is a journey—and we all need help along the way.
Namaste,
Shaina White Williams
Looking for more tips and guidance? JFS Orlando’s counselors are specialized in various areas and are here to support you. Telehealth counseling appointments now available! Medicare, Medicaid, and almost all insurances are accepted. Sliding scale available for those who do not have insurance or have an insurance we do not accept. Call 407-644-7671 or complete our online form to request an appointment today!
Author: Shaina White Williams, MSW
Shaina White Williams, MSW is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern and earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. Shaina utilizes a combination of evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Problem Solving Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy while highlighting strengths-based solutions.
Shaina strives to support her clients’ needs through individualized care while assisting them in overcoming obstacles, including acceptance, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and more. Shaina aims to aid her clients in thriving by setting therapeutic goals, and ultimately increasing resiliency. She also hopes to help her clients achieve a sense of wellbeing by providing psychoeducation and incorporating mindfulness techniques, self-care, and wellness tools. Shaina views therapy as a collaborative effort with her clients. She consistently demonstrates compassion, empathy, insight, cultural competence, and active listening.