On February 23, Dr. Rachelle Scott, Eden’s Medical Director of Mental Health Care Delivery, joined theSkimm and therapist, speaker, and writer Minaa B. for SkimmU Well — a series of virtual courses designed to help attendees get smarter about the mind-body connection.
Dr. Scott and Minaa B. answered participant questions for their ‘Mind Your Mind’ course — a panel that covered how to manage your mental health day-to-day and helped attendees determine how to determine if therapy may be a good fit for them.
If you couldn’t join us live, no worries! We’ve recapped some of Dr. Scott’s most important advice below:
HOW TO KNOW IF THERAPY IS RIGHT FOR YOU
Check-in and ask yourself ‘“what is it that I’m seeking out of therapy?” because there isn’t a right answer for everyone. Not everyone requires therapy right off the bat. What is the goal that you’re hoping to accomplish? If you’re not sure, there’s no harm in reaching out to ask questions during a consultation call. Then, together with a therapist, you can make a determination about the course of treatment. Therapy is a great option but it’s not the only option. If you have something specific you’re concerned about or want to work on, those are good signs that therapy might be the choice for you.
IF YOU THINK THERAPY IS FOR OTHER PEOPLE, BUT NOT FOR YOU
I would dig a little deeper there. Is therapy not for you because someone told you you need therapy and you’re being defensive about it? Is it because you’ve thought about it but don’t see someone from your community or culture that engages in therapy, so it becomes taboo? Are you fearful of therapy because you don’t know how long you’ll be in it or what may come up for you?
It’s okay to wonder if therapy is for you. If you’re not sure, ask someone you trust. You have relationships with different providers — maybe this is something you can sit down and discuss with your primary care provider. Let them know you’re curious about it and ask them what they know. For so many people, therapy can be a black box and they don’t know where to turn to or how to get the information, so turning to trusted resources is a great first step.
WHAT TO ASK YOURSELF WHEN CONSIDERING THERAPY
Where are you on the spectrum of change? There are different phases to entering therapy — there’s the decision to go, the action of calling a therapist, and there’s actually going to therapy. Those steps may not happen all at the same time, in fact, they usually don’t. There might be a gap between deciding to go to therapy and actually engaging in therapy. Where are you in your desire or commitment to change? That consideration can help guide treatment.
TIPS FOR CREATING BOUNDARIES WHEN YOUR WORKPLACE IS STILL YOUR HOME
Creating habits and routines are so important. That’s one of the biggest things we’ve suffered from in the pandemic. Before, the boundaries and spaces of work and home were physically there, so we didn’t know the impact they had until they were taken away. I tell people to get up and walk outside, even if it’s just walking outside your front door and going back in. Physical breaks help create parameters around your space and can change your focus.
Want to learn more about how Eden’s collaborative care model can help you nurture your mental and physical health? Read more about how our Care Team works together.
Work in HR and have questions about providing an Eden Health membership to your employees? Reach out to a member of our team today so we can get your questions answered.
This blog is intended to be informational in nature. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your Care Team or other healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials.
