Getting Professional Help with The Lens of Faith (My MH JOURNEY)

'Their chain was once my chain and their cords were once my cords. And if God is making me join Him losing their chains and untying their cords, I’m joining Him.'

These were the words I've written in my very first story . 'My One In A Million Hugot' was the tittle because it was my personal story: how did I get to the mental health advocacy and because I believe my story of healing is unique. (https://stripedjar.wixsite.com/salticket2church/post/my-one-in-a-million-hugot) . While my extreme fears of darkness, ocean and dogs were gone, along with all my intrusive thoughts; truth be told-without the faith given to me, I would not know where I'd be. I always say that the mental health professionals are GOD-sent. Be it needed, no matter how strong one's faith is -there's no excuse not to get helped.

Looking back, what kept me from getting professional help? First and foremost, living in the metro costs me so much and I know how costly getting psychiatric help could get; Not to mention, the schedule would call for a leave and seeing the Mental Health stigma in the work place first hand-how should I reason out for a leave of absence?None of these reasons are biblical, I know. Truth be told, I had that fear of the stigma I was trying to break. I did not really made time for my own mental health as much. If you have been with me for a while, since the time I wrote the review for Pastor Rico Villanueva's OK Lang Series, I've been praying to find a good psychologist. In all fairness, I was getting all the help I needed from my faith community. I know the signs of gas lighting so I learned to deter its effects on me. I have my growth groups to go to when I am overwhelmed by work pressures. That's before the ECQ.(https://stripedjar.wixsite.com/salticket2church/post/babasahin-atingsuriin-ranasnaranas-ok-lang-magstruggle-at-mabigo)

Experiencing anxiety attack again after ages, caused me to go to every hot line and website that will give me PFA ( Psychological First Aid). I mentioned in my last write-up how my previous company's EAP (Employees Assistance Program) and a Psychotherapist helped me. (https://stripedjar.wixsite.com/salticket2church/post/the-detour-done) I was then advised for a week long rest and thereafter decide whether I should stay in my workplace or resign. The scenario was ugly. But as I come to think of it, I was given the time to rest and hear from God.Having experienced bullying and slander,they turned out to be a blessing in disguise, leading me back to the heart of worship, causing me to be fully home and teaching me my own areas for improvement when it comes to relationships.

The ordeal made me prioritized my mental health above things that matter, something I always ask others to do, because Mental Health matters. Because of the Lock down and the Work From Home, I managed to regained my savings and afford the professional fee. The psychological center also offers 20% discount for their patients.I am grateful for Gray Matters Psychological Consultancy for all the help, from booking and assigning me to Doc Meg Orquia. The lady who was assisting me was very emphatic and helpful from taking my case to getting me booked for a session with the doctor,even for upcoming sessions. That very day of that anxiety attack, Gray Matters is one of the many centers I contacted and was the very first to respond. Visit https://graymattersportal.ph/personal-account/consultation-and-counseling/ if you will need their help too. A week later, my very first consultation with a Psychologist happened- May 25,2020. That was also my make or break day If I am to go back Batangas based.Late 2018, I was praying for a Doctor who will understand my values if not share them, someone with expertise on emotional concerns and trauma/abuse. My prayer was answered with a big-yes. And yes, I am Batangas based.Next babasahin, I will share with you my experience with what Gray Matters call 'In Touch' session.