Ep 258: Aimee J – Let’s Talk Mental Health

Chasing Dreams with Aimee J.

English - May 04, 2022 08:00 - 10 minutes - 8.48 MB - ★★★★★ - 57 ratings
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Previous Episode: Ep 257: Aimee J – You Can Do Hard Things

Next Episode: Ep 259: Carolyn Yates – Give Yourself Permission To Put Yourself First

Mental health is not something we openly talk about and yet it greatly impacts how we live our lives. A lot of us perceive mental health as an essential topic we should be talking about. However, we all know that it’s difficult to take action when we suffer from mental health issues.

In this episode, in celebration of Mental Health Awareness month, Aimee tackles a topic close to her heart and something she supports fully - mental health. Through this episode, Aimee shares how she handles mental stress and recommendations for people undergoing the same experience.

It’s not easy to discuss mental health struggles, but Aimee believes that how we handle it in the present times influences the next generation. When we normalize these conversations, we also create safe spaces where people can freely talk and look for help regarding their conditions.

THE NEED TO TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH

We may not recognize it, but there is a rising need to talk about mental health. As Aimee stated, “we millennials should understand what we’re doing and how we treat mental health is impacting the generation next.”

This is the right time for us to take a stand and find the help that we need. However, with this thought, it’s also important to recognize that finding help is a challenge in itself. Aimee adds, “what we need to do most importantly is acknowledge that we need help for mental health.”

"What we're doing and how we treat mental health is impacting the generation next." #chasingdreams

"What we need to do most importantly is acknowledge that we need help for mental health." #chasingdreams

QUOTE

"Finding help is also a challenge and one that is also being worked on."

THE IMPORTANCE OF TALKING TO A THERAPIST

Aimee is a big advocate of talking to therapists, in fact, Aimee shares that she has a wonderful therapist. “She understands what I’m going through.” Her advice for people with mental health struggles is, “find the right therapist for you.”

Being able to find someone who understands what you’re going through is very helpful because you can easily relay your message. Once you find the right therapist, stick with it.

This is not to say that you should see the therapist every week, figure out the number of sessions that you need.

Although going to a therapist has always been labeled as taboo, we should be breaking this stigma so more and more people are encouraged to find the help they need.

Aimee says, “a therapist is a third party who doesn't necessarily have a vested interest in the decisions you make.” The best thing about having a therapist is that they root for you, they want what’s best for you, but they allow you to make the choices.

Therapists see you and what you’re going through from a different perspective. They give valuable and reasonable advice that you can do to make changes in your life.

THE NEED TO TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH

"What we're doing and how we treat mental health is impacting the generation next." #chasingdreams

"What we need to do most importantly is acknowledge that we need help for mental health." #chasingdreams

QUOTE

"Finding help is also a challenge and one that is also being worked on."

THE IMPORTANCE OF TALKING TO A THERAPIST

Being able to find someone who understands what you’re going through is very helpful because you can easily relay your message. Once you find the right therapist, stick with it.

This is not to say that you should see the therapist every week, figure out the number of sessions that you need.

Although going to a therapist has always been labeled as taboo, we should be breaking this stigma so more and more people are encouraged to find the help they need.

Therapists see you and what you’re going through from a different perspective. They give valuable and reasonable advice that you can do to make changes in your life.

"Therapists want what's best for you, but they allow you to make that choice." #chasingdreams

"A therapist is an outside, objective person who can give you feedback." #chasingdreams

QUOTE

"It's a normal thing to get help, to talk to someone that is not your family."

"A therapist is a third party who doesn't necessarily have a vested interest in the decisions you make."

PANDEMIC SIDE EFFECTS ON MENTAL HEALTH

The pandemic has had unfortunate side effects on people, especially on mental health. A lot of professionals from different industries were affected including medical frontliners, first responders, teachers, employees, and even business owners.

Their mental health was affected because of the immense stress and pressure that was placed upon them. Some of them have been forced to do things that they’re not comfortable doing. While some of them have risked and are continuously risking their lives for others.

In the last few years, we have seen an increase in suicide and depression. Therefore, as a community, we should make sure that they are getting the help that they deserve and this involves taking care of their mental health.

The best way for us to help is to create a safe space for them. Remind them that they are not alone and help is always available.

"What you're going through is not singular." #chasingdreams

QUOTE

"The only way we can help is to give them a safe space to talk and get help."

A CHALLENGE TO DATE YOURSELF AND TRY NEW THINGS

In celebration of the Mental Health Awareness month, Aimee challenges listeners to “date yourself.” This helps you get to know yourself better. In this process, you will figure out what you like, what you don’t like, and what you want for yourself.

As you unravel more information about yourself, you also get to evaluate your environment, this includes your home, work, and relationships. This may not always be easy because you’ll always consider what other people say.

You need to keep in mind that you are perfectly capable of running your life and making good choices. There’s also the importance of trying new things and learning activities that actually bring you joy.

As you find peace and contentment with the things that make you happy, you’ll notice that you function better as an individual. You become a better parent, spouse, sibling, etc.

Remember that you need to take care of yourself first before you can care for others.

"Take some time to date yourself and figure out what you want." #chasingdreams

"Before you can be any of your titles, you must be yourself." #chasingdreams

QUOTE

"Remind yourself that this is your life and these are your choices. At the end of the day, you owe it to yourself."

"You cannot give to others if you can't take care of yourself."

Aimee’s Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take –

A challenge to date yourself and try new things. This allows you to know yourself deeper and the actions you need to achieve your dreams. Also, trying out new things broadens your horizons, you’ll never know if you’re meant for a different path if you don’t give it a try.

OUTLINE OF THE EPISODE

[00:43] The need to talk about Mental Health[01:25] The importance of talking to a therapist[03:35] Pandemic side effects on mental health[06:15] A challenge to date yourself and try new things

Resources Mentioned

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Open Path Collective Psychology Today Mental Health America Better Help South Asian Therapists Inclusive Therapists Therapy for Black Girls Therapy for Black Men Asian Mental Health Collective

FAVORITE QUOTES

"Finding help is also a challenge and one that is also being worked on.""It's a normal thing to get help, to talk to someone that is not your family.""A therapist is a third party who doesn't necessarily have a vested interest in the decisions you make.""The only way we can help is to give them a safe space to talk and get help.""Remind yourself that this is your life and these are your choices. At the end of the day, you owe it to yourself.""You cannot give to others if you can't take care of yourself."

TWEETS YOU CAN USE

"What we're doing and how we treat mental health is impacting the generation next." #chasingdreams"What we need to do most importantly is acknowledge that we need help for mental health." #chasingdreams"Therapists want what's best for you, but they allow you to make that choice." #chasingdreams"A therapist is an outside, objective person who can give you feedback." #chasingdreams"What you're going through is not singular." #chasingdreams"Take some time to date yourself and figure out what you want." #chasingdreams"Before you can be any of your titles, you must be yourself." #chasingdreams

https://youtu.be/LerD8Xmtim4