I shared this photo on my Instagram account and I wanted to share it here with you. This is a photo of my coworkers and me. They’re completely irrelevant to the story :).
Even as a therapist, I’ve also struggled with my mental health
I want you to know I’ve been where you’ve been. This photo was taken at a time where I had just experienced a devastating blow, and I was not doing good. I still feel it when I look at this. I find that it doesn’t really matter the specifics of what I went through, of what you’re going through, or what anyone else is going through because it’s the shared emotional experience that matters. Our challenges are unique and yet we still each have felt sadness, fear, and anger.
Even when you are trying your best, your mental health can be hard to manage
Despite this painful experience, I was managing it in pretty healthy ways. I had supportive family & friends that knew what I was going through. I was loved & cared about and I was still feeling horrible. I was going to therapy, using healthy coping skills, and the supportive people in my life and it still was excruciatingly painful. I was trying my hardest to manage but that didn’t take away the experience from happening. All of those feelings are normal for all of us to feel.
You will feel good again
The other night I was riding my bike through the neighborhood, I looked up at the cotton candy sky, feeling the cool breeze hit my face, and smelling the hint of a barbecue in the air, I started to tear up because I realized I felt well again & I have for a long while. Things don’t feel as grey & cold as they did in that photo. I never thought that day would come. When I think of that experience, it still feels awful but it doesn’t consume me as it did.
If you’re struggling that doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong
I want you to know that even if you’re doing it all in the best way you can: going to therapy, doing the work, and using your support people and you still feel like garbage, there’s nothing wrong with you. You’re a human, and that’s beautiful. If you’re using self-destructive behaviors and not coping in healthy ways that’s ok, I’ve also been there. You’re ok too. Trust that you’re doing the best you can at this moment. You’ll feel the breeze again on your cheeks and appreciate the beauty of life again.
Don’t give up hope
I assure you this will not always be the space you’re in. The sadness dissipates, and you’ll feel the warmth again. Wherever you’re at in your struggle, it will pass. Please know that the goodness of life still awaits. There are more people to love, dreams to chase, and happiness to be had repeatedly. Your life has meaning and will continue to have meaning. You matter. Don’t give up.
EMDR therapy can help
I know what your going through has to feel like a lot to manage on your own. I know you’re used to being the support of other people in your life, and it’s hard to let your guard down. On the outside, nobody would guess you are struggling, but I want you to know it’s ok to let people help you. I want to be able to support you and help you feel better. EMDR Therapy is a type of trauma therapy that can help you work through negative past experiences and help change the negative beliefs you have about yourself. I can attest with my own EMDR therapy experience that it makes a difference in your ability to find relief from sadness, anger, fear, anxiety, shame, and more.
Begin working with an EMDR therapist in Utah
You don’t have to live weighed down by your experiences. You can feel ok again. This Northern Utah Counseling Practice has an EMDR therapist specializing in trauma therapy. To begin counseling, follow the steps below:
Meet with a trauma therapist
Start healing from your past
Online Therapy in Utah
I provide online therapy in Utah to those throughout Utah so that you can conveniently access a therapist. It’s not always easy to take time out of your schedule or to have to travel to meet with a therapist. In this day and age, it’s not even necessary because it’s just as effective as in-person therapy
I work with people in Logan, Cedar City, Heber, Salt Lake City, St. George and more through online counseling.
Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy
EMDR therapy isn’t the only mental health service provided at this Utah County Counseling Center. Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy include eating disorder therapy, binge eating disorder treatment, body image therapy, anxiety therapy, and birth trauma.