It’s All About You

As I sat in the waiting room at the hospital, crying and praying as I never had before, I felt like I was in a very bad dream. My son had received a serious diagnosis that required surgery, and I was waiting for the surgeon to come and tell me the operation had been successful. If you’re a parent, one of the worst feelings you can ever have is knowing you can’t help your child.

        As a mental health professional, I know when an emotional issue becomes a mental health concern. Several months after my son’s diagnosis and surgery, I was still having difficulty coping with what had occurred. When I talked with a friend who had no knowledge of what my son and I had been through, the experience came back to me, leaving me just as raw and sad as it had when it first started. You can’t always handle such things alone; you may need professional help to get through them, and it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. And that’s exactly what I did. I decided that I was willing to do the work required so I could move forward and be whole again. For the sake of my overall wellness, I needed to get help to put everything in perspective, and learn strategies to allow me to overcome the ongoing anxiety and depression I’d been experiencing.

        I remember how I felt about sharing all my feelings, thoughts, and problems, which contributed to how I was feeling, and my concerns about what the outcome would be when I had to speak to an individual I didn’t know. Adding to those concerns were my unresolved trust issues. How could I trust someone that much? I’m sure that you can relate to what I’m saying or have experienced similar feelings and thoughts. With this book, I want to give information to those who may be hesitant to get professional help or don’t know where to find it.

        Some people are lucky enough to have a support system that they can rely on when they need this kind of help. If you don’t, or if your support system isn’t meeting your needs, look into getting professional help to get you through whatever you’re experiencing. I’m not saying that you have to seek counseling, but I am saying that professionals are available and willing to help.

        When I reflect on how I overcame my anxiety and depression, I remember that it was a process that required constant work. I’m grateful to be able to say that my son is doing very well now, and while he is still being monitored, he is healed and healthy. Every six months he is required to have follow-up tests, and in the beginning, my original experience with his illness came rushing back each time as if it were yesterday. Parents of children with a serious illness know how that feels. Not having control is a most uncomfortable feeling, but you have to depend on your faith that everything will be okay.

        As you read, you will gain a greater understanding of whatever mental health challenge you may be experiencing, whether it rises to the level of a mental health concern, and whether you need professional help. I know how it feels to face such a challenge, and how vulnerable it feels to have to trust someone you don’t know to help you. But sometimes managing stress, anxiety, and life challenges becomes more than what you can handle on your own. The good news is you can get through it.

        In this book I provide information that you can use right away so that you are not only informed about the subject of mental health but also aware of your options for mental health care if you need it.