If you’re getting this newsletter, you may be confused about what I’m going to ask of you.  Because you are reading this, I know you’re already aware of the value of mental health care.  Most likely you’re a friend or a colleague of mine, or possibly a client.  So why am I contacting you, asking for help with advocating mental health care awareness, when I know you already believe therapy to be helpful, even life changing?  It’s because I know there are still so many who don’t know the transformative power of therapy like you do.  

May is mental health awareness month, which is great, but maybe there’s something we can all do throughout the year.  On average, one out of every five people are currently dealing with a mental health issue right now.  No place or group of people is exempt from this, despite what you may think.  These are your neighbors, co-workers, people at the gym and anywhere else you may go.  Some have already found the help they need.  Many suffer silently.  They aren’t sure where to begin getting help, feel ashamed, or maybe don’t even realize they could actually feel and do better.  It’s a sobering reality that invites a response.  

15 minutes can change a life

So how can 15 minutes of your time change a life?  The answer is going to vary depending on you.  The overarching concept here is that silence is not neutral.  This is NOT a guilt trip or pressure, but an invitation to make a difference in ways you may have not considered, and in a style that fits for you.  One size will not fit all, but consider some of the ideas below

Ways you can help

  • Be good to yourself.  First and foremost is to make sure you are getting what you need to stay well.  It may sound selfish, but no one benefits the most from what you have to offer if you’re depleted and out of balance.  Be good to yourself and by doing so you’re being an example to others for their own care.
  • Spread the word online. Help an unlimited number of people by sharing your own experience of therapy online.  Now I want to be clear about two things here.  First, if you are a friend or colleague then absolutely I am asking you to take action and get the word out online.  I’ve made it a habit to personally review any and all therapists I have seen, and also those whom I know that I would recommend.  I encourage you to do the same.  Second, if you are a client, then in no way is this a push for you.  Any reviews I’ve received online or added to my website have all been voluntary.  So if you’re reading this and YOU decide to spread the word online, then I recommend using Google and/or Yelp.  It’s easier than you think, and you can even do this anonymously if you wish by following the simple instructions linked here.  This can be helpful in any online review for anyone/anything where you want to speak up, but also shelter your identity,
    Annonymous reviews
  • Be kind to others you don’t know.  It’s OK to smile at someone in the check out line, ask a co-worker something about themselves, let someone merge in traffic ahead of you with a friendly wave.  You’d be surprised at how meaningful moments like these can be for someone who feels invisible and isolated going through life.  Just an act of kindness can invite a person back into hope and even relationships, which is where they need to be for health and growth.  No one thrives alone.
  • Get real with your friends and family.  Genuine human connection that’s safe and available is something everyone needs, but so many lack.  That could mean taking relationships you already have and pressing in deeper than in the past.  There is no magic phrase for this, but you’d be surprised at what often happens when you have a sincere interest in another person and ask them something like, “How are you…really?  Where are you struggling right now?  How can I support you through this struggle?”  Click on the following link for handout with a few guidelines that may help.
    Seven super skills
  • Talk to someone in need. Tell someone about your own experience with mental health care.  It can be truly difficult to understand just what therapy is and what it can do until you’ve tried it.  The stigma of mental health issues these days is so much less than you might think.  Whether it’s family, friends, or someone you met in the grocery store produce isle, they may be more receptive than you think if you ask them for permission to share something that’s been meaningful for you and might be helpful for them.
  • Help someone find help.  Remember what it was like the first time you were looking for a psychologist?  Overwhelming!  To look for help when you’re already struggling can be like having to drive yourself to the ER after breaking your leg: it may be possible, but it’s very difficult and certainly not ideal.  Help others out with names, if you have them, or sit and look online with them until they find a therapist and reach out.  To be one part of that solution, until the end of 2025 I’ll be offering a gift of 3 discounted sessions for you to give someone to help get them started.  You take the time, I’ll provide the “dime.”
    THRIVE2025
  • Equip yourself to help.  Get training to see signs of mental health distress, and skills to help more effectively.  Like learning CPR, it’s great to have available when it’s needed.  Here are free resources, but this certainly isn’t the only place to be educated.