The definition of mental health by Empower Counseling in Birmingham, Alabama. The World Health Organization defines mental health as, “A state of wellbeing in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and make contributions to his or her community.”
Since Covid, about 4 in 10 adults in the U.S. have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder. In June of 2019 this number was 1 in 10.
Empower Counseling uses Acceptance Commitment Therapy, or ACT, a scientifically proven effective method for treating anxiety and depression.
One aspect of the anxiety and depression therapy we provide is an assessment of the 8 domains of a healthy life. We all have 8 major areas or domains that make up our lives. They are each important to us to some degree to having strong mental health. To move away from anxiety and depression, we must look toward these 8 domains and determine how important each one is to us and how satisfied are we in each of these areas of our lives.
Without this knowledge and self-awareness, we can easily become stuck in life, not knowing what we want or need to feel like we are moving forward, being productive with purpose.
So what are these 8 areas of life or domains that we must examine to achieve strong mental wellness and satisfaction and fulfillment in this one life that we all have?
The definition of mental health by Empower Counseling in Birmingham, Alabama begins with assessing each of these 8 domains:
1, Mental and Physical Wellbeing and Self-Care.
2. Intimate Love Relationship or Marriage
3. Parenting & Family
4. Spirituality & Faith
5. Friends & Community
6. Career & Finances
7. Learning & Self-Growth
8. Adventure/ Artistic Expression/ Leisure
We are all so busy. It is easy in our fast-paced lives to put our physical and mental wellbeing last on the list. When we do that for too long, neglect our own physical and mental health, it always catches up with us. We don’t expect our cars to run well without care and proper maintenance. We spend money on the upkeep and repair of our homes and appliances. We spend time and effort on help our families and friends in every way we can. And yet we often save nothing for ourselves. We expect ourselves to just keep doing what needs to be done without considering our own needs.
Well, we are not robots. Who better to know our needs and to make sure they are taken care of then ourselves?
So at Empower Counseling one of the important assessments we do when treating your anxiety and depression is a domain assessment. What is important to you in each of these 8 areas of your life? What has been getting in your way in each of these areas? What do you want these areas of your life to look like? Then we create a plan together that will get you where you want to go.
Your path toward strong mental health begins with Empower Counseling.
Kathryn uses Acceptance Commitment Therapy, which is a scientifically proven effective treatment for anxiety and depression. ACT also helps you gain self-esteem and self-confidence so you can be the person you truly want to be.
Empower Counseling in Birmingham, Alabama specializes in anxiety therapy, serving all of the over the mountain areas like Homewood, Mountain Brook, Vestavia, and Hoover, as well as, all other parts of Birmingham. In addition to in-person counseling, we offer on-line counseling for anyone in the state of Alabama. Empower offers anxiety, depression, and difficult life transition counseling for teens, college students, young adults, and professionals.
Call Empower today and begin feeling better 205-730-6570