Mental health is our thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and behavior. All of us have mental health. Mental well-being implies the flourishing of mental health.

Therapy, also known as psychotherapy or counselling, is a process of meeting with a professional mental health specialist (psychologist or psychiatrist) to resolve problems that arise out of your beliefs, behaviours, feelings, relationship issues, and/or somatic responses (sensations in the body). Seeking therapy is a big step towards self-improvement and aiding you to live the healthiest version of yourself - no matter the challenges you face. This is an opportunity to address and change the self-destructive behaviours and habits to resolve painful feelings, improve your relationship with yourself and others, and so on

Therapy need not always be for diagnosing or resolving an emotional or behavioral issue. It can often be used as a tool for introspection to foster overall growth and mental and emotional well-being.

There are different approaches to therapy, and no one-size-fits all solutions. It is important to realise that therapy is only one aspect that aids in fostering better mental health. As multiple factors affect one’s mental well-being, it is important to integrate a holistic approach towards nourishing mental health. In this process, support from a trained professional proves beneficial.

If your beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors have a significant impact on your ability to function by your day-to-day activities, it is important to take a step back, relax, rejuvenate and reflect. If the problem still persists, it’s important to seek help.

It can be difficult to find the things that will help you instantaneously, as different things help different people. If it’s the first time you are trying therapy, it is important to allow yourself and the professional the time as the strategies advised take time to work. It’s also important to be committed while choosing the right option from the range of available resources and importantly, being hopeful when things don’t work out.

Mental health challenges are a part of the human condition. Developing well-being, resilience, socio-emotional skills, and seeking help and support could help in alleviating the challenges from becoming serious.

It’s helpful to be able to diagnose the issue and explore realistic solutions towards resolving them. Maintaining healthy relationships and social connections, good nutrition, and adequate sleep, learning, and self-growth, a purposeful occupation, medication, and counseling could help in resolving mental health issues.

The most important thing to begin is to share your feelings with someone you trust - be a family member, partner, friend, colleague, or general physician. It would be useful to keep a tab of your experiences and find out more information about what you are experiencing. Be careful not to jump into the wagon of self-diagnosing. If the experience you are facing trouble with persists, start by getting help.