Girl, Put Your Shoes On.

Here’s the thing

I’m going to let you in on a top secret super simple mental health life hack that will change your life. And no, I’m definitely not overhyping or exaggerating! But first, let’s talk about a common way that depression/anxiety/insecurity/trauma/fear affects us….We don’t want to leave our house. In fact, the thought of leaving your house can be so overwhelming or exhausting that you decide to scrap it and not even leave your bed. Sound familiar?

Picture this:

You have a day off and sleep in, once you are finally awake enough you start to feel restless and a little wallow-y (let’s just pretend that’s a word) and decide to ride it out on your couch. An hour later you get a text from a friend inviting you to go to Target/lunch/on a hike. Now here’s the dilemma: you aren’t dressed and don’t have shoes on and the thought of doing those things sounds absolutely exhausting. The effort, it’s too much!!!

You know what could have helped here? If when you first woke up you immediately put on clothes and shoes so that if opportunity comes knocking, there’s one less obstacle standing in your way.

Let’s be real

Depression is already a pretty huge obstacle to doing things. Same goes for anxiety, fear, and insecurity. A key struggle among these issues is decision fatigue. Making a decision is more difficult than usual and can result in this sense of frozenness when presented with options. By putting on your shoes before you start your day you are taking away one more decision that may keep you from social interaction later on in the day. Girl, put your shoes on.

We’ve all been in that situation where we already took our shoes/bra/makeup off for the day and then we get an invite to go somewhere. It’s ok to say no of course! But, if you tend to error on that side in general it can quickly turn into isolation and unhealthy alone time.

Hear me say this

This is not me saying you have to go to everything you get invited to or that you are lazy for wanting to stay home- that’s NOT what I’m saying! In fact, I think when you are actively fighting for good mental health you actually need to allow yourself times where you aren’t in the fight and are resting. You are tired because DEPRESSION makes you tired. You feel overwhelmed because ANXIETY makes you overwhelmed. YOU are not lazy or weak or a loner, you are simply someone who is being affected by their mental health and some days can’t beat it. Just because you lost the fight yesterday doesn’t mean you aren’t still fighting. Every warrior needs a water break.

I repeat, every warrior needs a water break

So, allow yourself the water breaks, but also get in the fight by putting on your dang shoes! For further evidence, check out these pictures below. You’ll notice that shoes were worn in every single one and in fact, that adventure would not have happened if I didn’t first put my shoes on. =)

So, if you are in the fight or on your water break, you can get help. My office in San Marcos, Tx is a place for you. For the weary, for the anxious, for the numb. Counseling for your depression and anxiety can help. Let’s get you back in the field and on to life adventures (or you know, just dinner with friends ;) And if you know anyone who might benefit from this tip please share this post with them!

Bethany Hanusch, LPC Intern supervised by Lavonne Dyste LPC-S
512-710-5918
@counselingbybethany

What's the difference between a counselor, psychologist, and psychiatrist?

Maybe 2019 is the year you have decided to tackle some of your problems in therapy! So, like any red-blooded-American, you google it for your area ;) What might you google?

“Psychologist in San Marcos, Tx”
”Counselor in San Marcos, Tx”
”Psychiatrist in San Marcos, Tx”
”Therapist in San Marcos, Tx”

If you’re not sure what the differences are among these you may feel pretty confused on what to look for! As a Licensed Professional Counselor Intern, I am well versed in describing my role to prospective clients. I am a counselor, also called a therapist, and in some states my role is called a “Mental Health Professional.” Each of these terms is synonymous with one another.

Most psychologists will also refer to themselves using these terms as well. A psychologist can and often does do traditional therapy and counseling just like a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). A psychologist also has the training to do testing and assessments that an LPC may not be qualified to perform, however, not all psychologists will offer this. Both professions are able to diagnose, take insurance, and are licensed by a state board. A psychologist must have a doctorate, whereas an LPC needs a masters.

Now, let’s talk about psychiatrists. They are pretty different from the rest of the mental health profession because they are legit medical doctors! A psychiatrist attends medical school and typically has minimal training in the therapy aspect of mental health. Because of this, psychiatrists generally do not offer therapy.

You would make an appointment with a psychiatrist at the suggestion of your therapist. At this appointment the psychiatrist would assess your symptoms and then make a diagnosis and write a prescription. In the mental health world, making an appointment with a Psychiatrist rather than a General Practitioner is recommended because a Psychiatrist is trained in the ways that various medications intersect with different mental disorder diagnoses.

So, those are the differences in a nutshell! What do you think? Did I make it clear as mud? ;) If you aren’t sure where to start just pick one of these listed above and they will direct you down the right path!

If you are in the San Marcos, Tx area and seeking help for your mental health, give me a call today to have any questions answered! You can contact me here on my website or give a call or text to me at 512-710-5918.

Sincerely,

Bethany Hanusch, LPC-Intern

counselingbybethany.com
@counselingbybethany