Joi Counseling

Make the 1st call. 

 

Let’s face it - people need help from time to time - whether you have a health issue, or a car problem, or even plumbing issue, there will come a time when you have to pick up the phone and ask for help.  

 

The difference between calling a mechanic or a plumber is that usually it is something that you know you can’t fix yourself - you need a professional.  That call is not as difficult because you know it is inevitable - something has to be done or your toilet will continue to overflow every time you flush.

 

Making the call when you have an emotional crisis or a mental health issue is a little different.  We have all been there…we are struggling with a life issue that we can’t seem to get a handle on.  Maybe it is persistent sadness, out-of-control anger, or an anxiousness that you can’t put your finger on.   

 

Everyone struggles from time to time and finding a good mental health professional might be he answer, but we don’t pick up the phone.  We put it off.  Possibly we think we can cope on our own, possibly we are nervous about talking to someone else about it, or possibly it just hasn’t become severe enough to force us to make the call. 

 

Even though our life stresses may not seem like an emergency like an overflowing toilet, the truth is that emotional and psychological issues can cause enormous stress and damage if left unchecked.  

 

That damage can be physical as well as psychological.  By paying attention to our symptoms and reaching out for help, we open the door to help and understanding.   

 

Instead of muddling through on our own, counseling provides a caring professional who will  provide feedback, insight and strategies to work through issues and to help us grow.

 

As  daunting as it may seem, making that first call may be the  healthiest thing you can do for yourself.  When you call a counseling agency, the person at the other end of the line is a professional who will guide you through the process.   You can ask questions about insurance and fees and length of treatment.  You can even ask about the therapists available to see which one sounds like a good fit for you.

 

That first call will open the door to a new experience - one that can bring amazing encouragement and growth.   Don’t put it off any longer!  Make the first call!