I felt like I had missed an opportunity to raise awreness of mental helath issues and the impact that they can have on everyday life. I do have a vested interest in raising awareness of common mental health concerns as Anxiety and Depression are a speciality of mine. I can also help with other problems in living which might be making your life challenging, such as emotional abuse, trauma, relationship issues all of which can contribute to low moods, unhealthy coping mechanisms and stress.

 

‘Just what kind of Counsellor are you? Look how lazy and  slack you are? Can’t even remember things like this…’ Ranted my inner critic. She’s quite loud sometimes and kinda mean, but while she has an opinion - oh boy, does she ever! About everything! And I mean everything! - and I feel guilty about not honouring this opportunity to talk about mental health in general and get the conversation going.

 

And then I looked at what I had been doing.

 

I run my own practise which does require a lot of my time even when I am not seeing clients, I keep up with current theores around mental health and create social media posts, I take care of my home, practise self care and look after my health. In a lot of ways no different to anyone else who is trying to live their life and take care of those around them that matter to them.

 

And I’m asking myself to be perfect? To get it right all the time. Wow. Way to set myself ridiculous standards. Sigh.

 

It’s something I see a lot of in my practice, clients expect a lot of themselves and set their standards high. There’s nothing wrong with having high standards, but it becomes a problem when you use it as a rod for your own back. My own therapist once said to me if you are 100% perfect all the time where is there room for improvement, where is the growth? It’s something I have had cause to reflect on over time and as I have grown and developed as a practioner and something I still share with my clients.

 

So in order to raise awareness of Mental Health this week, I’m going to ask you - that’s you reading this blog post, Hi! (waves) - where can you allow yourself to let go of perfection? What can you do for yourself, no matter how small, that would help you feel good?

 

I also wonder what happens when you think about this; does your inner critic rev up to say what ever it is that makes you feel unworthy or not good enough? How do you feel? Notice it, let it sit and then let the feelings wash away.  That last part may be difficult so don’t be harsh with yourself about that, but try at least. Breathe it out.

 

I’m also leaving you with this thought to consider; Today I can climb a hill, yesterday I climbed a mountain, tomorrow I will climb a mole hil. Your best might look different each day.

 

To start your therapeutic journey feel free to contact me via:contact@Kellyannefreemancounsellingservices.com.

 

With warm wishes

 

Kelly Anne Freeman (MBACP Accred.)