One out of every four individuals will experience a mental health issue each year. Mental health is a part of our overall health and affects all of us in one way or another. Many of us struggle with anxiety or depression ourselves, or we have a child who does, or a parent, or a friend, or all of the above. In my work as a counselor/therapist I work daily with people who struggle with their mental health. Unfortunately there isn’t any one size fits all approach to managing mental health or decreasing symptoms of bipolar disorder, ADHD, etc. The “prescription” for managing mental health is different person to person.

Many of the things medical providers encourage patients to do also benefit mental health. I discuss getting enough sleep, getting movement, eating regularly and as healthily as possible, as well as drinking lots of fluids with folks in counseling. These “basics” affect our mental health as well as our physical selves. Sometimes we forget about these parts of our life. For example, getting regular good sleep is paramount to good mental health.

Other people might use counseling to work through some past traumas. Current symptoms of anxiety and depression often relate to unresolved parts of folks pasts. There are different therapies a counselor can utilize to help their clients to process through tough parts of their pasts (Progressive counting, EMDR, etc.). With some people, their current symptoms are rooted in something that may have occurred when they were a young child or earlier in their lives. Oftentimes individuals are unaware that their current symptoms might be linked to their past. A therapist can help clients make this connection and improve their understanding of themselves.

A therapist/counselor can serve many roles depending on the client’s needs. Children who have experienced trauma, a relationship with one supportive adult can help improve their resiliency and chance of success in life. A therapist can serve as this supportive relationship. Some people also benefit from an additional social connection. A therapist can fill this role and assist clients in increasing the amount of social connections they have. For a person who is experiencing severe anxiety and phobia who doesn’t leave his house, a relationship with a therapist can be an important social support and connection.

Some people need concrete strategies for managing internal self-talk or changing maladaptive thought patterns. A therapist can be instrumental in helping a client do this work. What works for one person may not work for another. People are at various places in their recovery from mental illnesses. People need individualized and dynamic approaches. What might work this year might not work in six months or in two years.

Medication can be another route in decreasing symptoms of anxiety, depression, etc. A therapist can help assist a client in obtaining appropriate medication. A therapist can help bridge the gap between medical care from a psychiatrist or a primary care physician.

Holistic or more natural approaches are also a path to mental health wellness. Some people benefit from vitamin supplements, meditation, breathing exercises, regular movement including walking or yoga, spending time outdoors, and spending time with people who bring them joy.

Therapists can often use a mix of the above mentioned techniques to create a personalized pathway to wellness. Additionally therapy is very personal and not every therapist might be the best match for a client. Managing mental health symptoms is often a life long journey. Its not always easy or smooth but it is very possible for everyone to live their best lives possible with mental illnesses. A therapist can be a huge asset in the journey for optimal mental health.