Myths about Counselling
Myths About Counselling
Many people like to avoid the word therapy or telling people they are going to see a therapist, such as a counsellor, as there is so much stigma in today’s society surrounding seeking the help they need to support mental health and well-being. Of course, in today’s day and age, society at large encourages efforts to prevent this barrier and raise awareness to reduce the negativity and misconceptions surrounding the idea of seeking therapy for support. These kinds of myths can lead people who struggle with their mental health to stay away from seeking help and support, which in turn hinders their personal growth and well-being. Reading this blog can help you understand some of these myths and build more community support for people seeking mental health services, such as counselling. Just as you look after your physical health, nurturing your mental health is essential for overall wellness.
Therefore, many people struggle with the myths and false beliefs surrounding counselling, including feeling judged, being crazy, the misunderstandings or the belief that counselling is for people with mental health issues or is not for “you”.
We need to build a more supportive belief system around mental health and the support that is required and needed with daily pressures, stress, grief, loss, trauma, abuse, etc. To discard these misconceptions, repair and rebuild a more supportive nation, and help those pursue their psychological well-being. Accessing mental health services like counselling is crucial for overall well-being and can significantly improve one’s quality of life by providing better goals and strategies for the future.
What’s the difference between mental health and mental illness?
Mental health is our emotional, psychological and social well-being, influencing how we think, feel and act. Mental health plays a crucial role in how we all handle stress, make choices, and relate to one another. Whereas mental illness is a condition that a psychologist or psychiatrist has diagnosed, and these conditions affect mental health greatly, for example, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
Understanding that our physical health is just as important as our mental health and asking for help and support is brave and courageous and takes great strength. So if you are looking into this, well done, I am so very proud of you! It is a sign of great strength and is not at all weakness!
Know that mental health issues and mental illnes4 ME to have the free will and choice to seek support, genuine empathy, compassion, and care alongside a trained professional counsellor, to be given the tools, and to collaborate with you to achieves can equally affect anyone, no matter what their background is, how wealthy or disadvantaged they are, their age or their social situation. It is not just for the luxury of talking about problems and issues for the affluent, nor does it indicate weakness, nor is it just for people with mental health illnesses or conditions. It is 4 YOU and 4ME to have the free will and choice to seek support, genuine empathy, compassion, and care alongside a trained professional counsellor to be given the tools and collaborate with you to have better, more positive outcomes.
Note that understanding these myths helps one take care of their mental health and overall well-being. And that going to counselling is not about mental illness; it is about stress management, personal growth, understanding, support, and creating better goals and strategies for better outcomes in the future. WHY? Because you matter!