Therapy is not a dirty word

We all have a mental health. Just as we all have a physical health.

Mental health simply refers to the way we express, cope, and regulate emotions, the way we think, what we believe, how we navigate the inevitable adversities and hurdles in our lives, how we relate to ourselves and others, and the manner in which we honor the inherent connection between our minds and bodies.

But this wasn't how we always thought of it. For so long, acknowledging mental health was taboo and those who sought help were pinned as weak, wrong, and wretched. Yes, some of that stigma has lingered and continues to underlie conversations around mental health particularly given generational, social, and familial differences. But our culture is slowly moving in a positive direction. There is now welcomed recognition of mental health and value in redefining it as an imperative part of wellness.

This growing view on mental health helps normalize, destigmatize, and increase access to help. When we label and shame needing support, we dismiss and invalidate what is simply just being human. We exist in connection with others and have always relied on one another, our communities, and social groups to thrive and survive.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with reaching out, speaking out, and advocating for yourself. In fact, doing so is incredibly brave and admirable.

Think of therapy as another form of self-care. Just as we make time in our lives for conscious and joyful movement, for nourishment, for connection, for relaxation and rest, for learning and intellectual stimulation, for fun and play, therapy is a way to check-in with our emotional selves and worlds.

It's okay to have had therapy, to be in therapy, to return to therapy. There is no particular end point. Therapy can be a part of our lives for as little or as long as we need it. We can always come back.