by Maggie O'Cala

Created on: September 11, 2010

The stigma once associated with mental health issues is not as prevalent as it once was in society. Some people still question the existence of mental illness. They may express the opinion that it is "all in their head" and insinuate that the person should just be able to "get over it". Fortunately much headway has been made in the medical field which proves that certain types of mental illnesses do exist and have a physiological trigger.

Mental health counselors are not just for those who are mentally ill. They have been trained to understand the human mind, emotions we feel and the relationship between them. While this qualifies them to give care to the truly insane, they are also able to help those not suffering from a mental illness but who are simply overwhelmed by life.

A counselor has been schooled in ways to get their patients to open up and share what they are feeling. Once that is accomplished they are then able to provide the patient with tools that will help them deal with problems. Mental health counseling does not involve strange voodoo, witch doctor types of treatment. No chickens are sacrificed to the gods to gain their favor. No magic potions or spells are anywhere to be found. Mental health counselors act more as friends and confidants than as doctors. The difference being that they have had professional training to assist you with your troubles.

There should be no more shame in seeing a mental health counselor than there is in seeing your church pastor for advice and guidance. We go to our pastor for spiritual needs, we go to doctors for our physical needs and counselors are there to tend our emotional needs. It takes a lot of courage to admit something is bothering you to the point that you need professional help. You should be proud that you were able to recognize that there is a serious problem and you are taking steps to resolve it.

There is no reason to be embarrassed for seeking emotional health treatment. The only shame should be for those who know that they have a problem but are unwilling to do anything about it. We have nothing but positive things to say about people who take their physical health care into their own hands. We encourage screenings to find potential problems and getting a yearly physical has become a standard practice. No one should neglect taking steps to ensure that they remain in good mental health.

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