May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Our emotional and mental health are two of the things in our lives we should hold most sacred. So much of our lives is fed from our mental health, yet it is not commonplace to talk about. There is a false narrative that we need to be “happy all the time” and anything less isn’t okay. So when navigating the harder seasons of life, a lot of times we feel like we have to do it alone. A lot of times we feel like admitting we are struggling is a form of showing weakness. But, my friends, it’s not. It’s actually a sign of strength.

Our psychological and emotional well-being plays such a pivotal role in every single aspect of our day-to-day from our relationships, to our work, to even how we feel physically. Our bodies are wired to process emotions and not to stuff them away to try and ignore them. Even when it’s hard.

Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. Yup, read that again: Our mental health is just as important as our physical health.

Coming out of the last few years we just experienced, the mental health crisis is at an all-time high. Naturally, going through so much uncertainty and trauma, people are struggling with overwhelm, depression, and anxiety at alarming rates. It’s no surprise that counseling offices are backed up more than I've ever experienced in my time as a clinician and I’m so glad that people are seeking additional support. 

So, in this Mental Health Awareness Month, I wanted to share some resources. There is so much out there, sometimes it can be overwhelming not knowing where to start. Below is a compiled list of my favorites that I use in my life to help keep me on track as well: 

PODCASTS:

• Cleaning Up the Mental Mess 

• Unlocking Us 

• Feeling Good 

• Coming Unglued (with yours truly and health expert, Lori Zabka! New episode out next week!!!!)

APPS:

• Head Space: https://www.headspace.com/

• Happify: https://www.happify.com/

• Moodfit: https://www.getmoodfit.com/

ONLINE COUNSELING:

• Talk Space

• Better Help

Remember, there is NOTHING wrong with seeking additional support. Just like you go to a gym or work with a nutritionist to maintain your physical health, seeking guidance from a counselor or therapist is a healthy approach to strengthening your mental health. You deserve to feel your best and live your best life. I encourage you to take the best next step that takes care of you. 

**If you are needing immediate assistance, dial 911, the suicide prevention hotline (800) 273-8255, or go to your nearest emergency room.

You are amazing! Start living like it!

Kim Anderson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-MHSP) and a Certified Life Professional Coach (CPLC) who loves helping others live their lives with passion and purpose. She lives with her husband and two teenagers outside of Nashville, in Franklin, Tennessee, where she loves seasons, rolling hills, and the warmth of the South. Follow Kim at www.kimanderson.life, on Instagram @kim_anderson_life, and on Facebook@ KimAndersonLifeCoachingto learn more about what she offers.