Tag: mental health

How Do You Deal With Your Mental Health Issues?

by Mershon Niesner

Anxiety was born in the very same moment as mankind. And since we will never be able to master it, we will have to learn to live with it— just as we have learned to live with storms. Paulo Coelho, Brazilian novelist

Recently, we’ve seen how mental health issues can affect elite athletes. But, as Coelho writes, “Anxiety was born in the same moment as mankind.” We all experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues from time to time. 

If you’re currently plagued by anxiety, Tamar Chansky, Ph.D., a psychologist and author of Freeing Yourself, offers this suggestion. “Reel yourself back to the present. Panic attacks can often make you feel like you’re dying or having a heart attack. Remind yourself: ‘I’m having a panic attack, but it’s harmless, it’s temporary, and there’s nothing I need to do.’” 

In addition, fact check your thoughts, identify three things you see, hear, and parts of your body, exercise, stay away from sugar and stimulants, watch a funny video, talk to someone about your feelings. 

Affirmation: I care about my mental health and the mental health of others.

Coaching questions: How do you deal with your mental health issues? If you’re suffering from anxiety or depression, what’s one step you’ll take to address your issue?

Photo by Zoë Reeve on Unsplash 

A New Look At Procrastination

by Mershon Niesner

For decades, psychological research has been able to explain procrastination as a functioning problem, not a consequence of laziness. 

Procrastination isn’t about being lazy. Being curious about the underlying issues rather than judging the behavior can be very helpful. For instance, procrastination can be a symptom of feeling my attempts will not be good enough or acceptable. They may be a result of not knowing how to take the first steps or not having the innate capacity to divide a large project into smaller, manageable pieces. Perhaps a person seems to be procrastinating when they are actually struggling with mental health issues or a difficult home environment. 

People don’t want to fail or disappoint. There are always barriers, whether we see them or not. 

Affirmation: I will take a deeper look at procrastination.

Coaching questions: Why do you procrastinate? How do you judge others who procrastinate? What’s a step you’ll take to discover the underlying causes of your procrastination? 

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Getting Help When You Need It

by Mershon Niesner

It’s called a mental illness for a reason, because it is an illness. Why can’t it be accepted like any other illness? HealthyPlace.com

Today is World Mental Health Day which began in 1992 as a way to bring awareness to mental health issues and advocate for mental health education around the world. The theme this year is “Young People and Metal Health in a Changing World.” According to the World Health Organization, half of all mental illness begins by age 14 which makes this year’s theme particularly appropriate.

Many of the daughters I interviewed for my book who had experienced trauma around their mother loss experience, were wise enough to seek professional help. Whether you talk with your pastor, a counselor, or therapist, don’t let the perceived stigma around seeking help hold you back. Those people who want to be the best they can be seek help to obtain their goals. People with mental health issues, especially young people, need our respect and encouragement. I am forever grateful to the professionals who helped me in the past. 

Affirmation: I take care of my mental health. 

Coaching questions: Do you have an emotional or psychological issue or mental illness you can’t seem to overcome or work out by yourself? If you do, today is the day to make an appointment with a professional to help you move forward.