We tend to our physical bodies every day.  We generally brush our teeth, shower, and exercise regularly.  If we don’t tend to our physical bodies every day, we will start having symptoms right away.  If we don’t get enough food, water, or sleep we will notice very quickly. Sometimes our bodies get sick and we can tend to our healing ourselves, but getting better may require a change in behavior, such as getting more rest and avoiding situations that will aggravate our healing.  But sometimes we have physical health issues that require medical intervention such as the need for surgery, antibiotics, or a stay in the hospital. Interestingly, we do not see tending to our physical bodies as a character flaw. We typically do not say things like, if I was a stronger person, I wouldn’t have this fever.  Or if I had more faith, then I wouldn’t need this antibiotic.  

I believe mentally and emotionally we our designed the same way.  We need to tend to our mental and emotional health every day. We regularly have emotional wounding in life, and sometimes we can tend to it ourselves.  Other times it requires professional intervention. To need professional intervention with our mental and emotional health is not a character flaw. Can you imagine breaking your leg and not getting it set by a doctor when that kind of help is available.  Why suffer needlessly when help and healing is available? We are remarkably resilient people. Our ability to heal from mental and emotional wounding is amazing and worth the effort. We are worth the effort.

Nancy Harmon, LCMHC
EMDRIA Approved Consultant
Trauma & Grief Specialist