The Feelings Doctor is In

The Feelings Doctor is In.

A few years ago, I had a young client come to see me for the first time. He wanted to know what my job was. I explained to him that I would be helping him with his feelings and talk about how to handle them better. He thought for a minute. Then he says, “So, you’re a feelings doctor?” I laughed and then thought about his question. I said, “I guess I am.” I now proudly accept that label.

We go to the doctor when we do not feel right physically. We may be sick, have a on going illness or disease that we need to seek regular care for, or we had some kind of physical health crisis like an injury. So, shouldn’t mental health be the same way? Shouldn’t we be able to seek professional help when we don’t feel right mentally? Why is it such a sigma? Having a check up on your emotions and mental health is like having an annual physical. We should be able to seek professional help and not feel shamed by it.

What about a mental health crisis or emotional crisis like a death, trauma, or some other issue? Children, teens and adults all need a little help from time to time. Some are lucky to have a very good support system and they can handle most of what life throws at them. Some times things just hit us out of nowhere. Then there are people who seem like their lives are in constant chaos and have very little supports.

As a life long church attending Christian I have seen other Christians tell people when they seek help say things like, “well, if you have more faith it will go away or be better.” What?!!! The amount of faith you have or don’t have has nothing to do with it. Sometimes things in life just happen. Sometimes that person struggling with depression or anxiety have a chemical imbalance and they need medication to help them.

We as Christians need to understand that everyone needs Jesus, but, someone may need a professional counselor to help them deal with there mental health just like someone with diabetes needs to have insulin to help them. God wired us to have emotions. He knows our feelings, and He has placed Christian Mental Health professionals in our lives to help us when we need it the most.

Just like you go to your physician for your physical health when you need it, some more then others, you may need to seek mental health services to help get your feelings checked. Please do not make excuses for why you don’t want to go. If it is a matter of needing support then find a supportive person to help you.

When I start working with one of my kiddo clients we start with the basics of identifying feelings and when they feel that feeling. We play games, we read books, we talk about feelings. Don’t be afraid to talk about your feelings with a safe person.   

We adults need a safe person too. We need someone we can talk to and know that the conversation is kept to themselves. Adults need to have safe friends and supports too. We can’t do life alone. God has wired us to be in community with each other and help each other, and give support when needed.

So, when you are getting ready for your child to go back to school, do a mental health check up too. As an adult if you just don’t feel yourself. If you seem down or sad or worrying a lot, then it may be time to seek help for yourself. Yes, it may be hard to find help, but ask around. Talk to your supports, your pastor, a friend, your primary care doctor to see if they know of anyone who can help you. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.  Find yourself a good “Feelings Doctor” and start to feel back to yourself again soon.