May is Mental Health Month. The post below is written by Jacque Edmerson, a mental-health counselor who works with Cincinnati Works Members through a partnership with TriHealth.
We all love the phase “Keeping It Real.” It means bringing our authentic truth to the conversation. Well, let me keep it real with you: Some of us are experiencing real trauma, real struggles, real hurt, real pain, real feelings of sadness and despair
For some of us, these feelings are transitional, meaning they subside or at least are management through time, coping skills, and the support of our friends and family.
For others, these feelings are persistent, pervasive, and they may interfere with our daily activities – school, work, and relationships with family, friends and co-workers.
I want to “keep it real” with you. For those who find themselves consumed with negative emotions and despair, you might benefit from counseling and/or medications to help you move through this journey called life.
Some of us have chemical imbalances or environmental stressors that make coping so much more difficult than it might be for others. There is no reason to be ashamed of that. Take shame, blame or embarrassment out of the equation and place the real focus on you, those who love you, and those you love. You matter!
Give yourself space to care for your behavioral health and improve your quality of life. Should you want to talk to me or need help getting to the right place, please call me at Cincinnati Works. My number is 513-744-9015.
Or, here are some free hotline numbers that might be helpful to you:
- 1-800-273-TALK
- 1-844-549-4266,
- 1-800-950-NAMI
Let’s keep it real. Take care,
Jacque