Navigating the Maze: Mental Health Tips and Resources
By Breanna Franklin
DICKSON Tenn. – Matthew Wade, a couples therapist specializing in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), is shedding light on the crucial role mental health plays in overall well-being. Wade, who has dedicated his career to helping couples strengthen their emotional bonds, underscores the broad impact mental health has on individuals’ lives, extending far beyond just their emotional state.
“Mental health doesn’t just affect your mind but your physical health and the world around you from your job to your family and friends,” Wade said. This view highlights how mental well-being is linked to physical health and social relationships, influencing everything from professional performance to personal connections.
Wade addresses a common misconception that therapy is only for those with severe mental health issues or during crises. “You don’t have to have a disorder or be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Therapy is actually just exercising the brain, similar to going to the gym for physical fitness,” he explained. This perspective encourages people to view therapy as a proactive and routine practice for maintaining mental health, rather than a last resort.
Tips for Improving Mental Health
- Mindfulness Exercises: Techniques such as box breathing can help manage stress and increase mindfulness
- Grounding Exercises: These activities help individuals stay connected to the present moment, reducing anxiety and improving focus.
- Journaling: Writing down thoughts and feelings serves as a powerful tool for self-reflection and emotional regulation.
Resources for Seeking Help
Wade highlights a variety of therapeutic approaches available for those seeking mental health support:
- Behavioral Therapy: Focuses on changing harmful behaviors through conditioning.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Aims to improve emotional connectivity in relationships.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS): Addresses and harmonizes different parts of the self.
- Experiential Therapy: Uses expressive tools and activities to help clients process emotions.
- Family/Religious Therapy: Incorporates family dynamics and religious beliefs into the healing process.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Trauma Therapy: Assists individuals in processing and healing from traumatic experiences.
Raising awareness about mental health is crucial for breaking down stigma and encouraging people to seek help. Wade believes that sharing personal stories about therapy can be particularly effective. “People can spread awareness by telling their own story, especially about therapy, because it removes misconceptions,” he noted. Personal testimonies can demystify therapy, illustrating its benefits and accessibility.
Contact Information:
Matthew Wade, Couples Therapist
(615)-945-8921
Email: matt@unstucktherapy.org
Website: unstucktherapy.org
Breanna Franklin is originally from Orlando, Florida, and lives in Clarksville, Tennessee where she currently attends Austin Peay State University. There she studies Communications Broadcast Media where she is also a part of APSU TV.