I don’t think Dulux were aiming for deeper thought when they created this colour.
But it’s definitely got me thinking…
Sea Kelp
Seek Help
Our minds are fascinating. Keeping them healthy is something that’s had much more awareness in recent years. But unfortunately, still carries some stigma. I think this maybe because it’s easier to deal with the things we see (eg. removing a splinter) than the things we can’t (eg. feelings, emotions and thoughts).
I recently realised I had a distorted perspective on my own mental health too. I was more than happy to tell others to reach out to a professional, but have danced around the idea myself, because “I’m fine”.
So what shifted? Terminology & Parallels.
1) Terminology: Psychologist vs Coach
For some reason, the idea of seeing a Psychologist seemed to be a big thing. The reality is, it’s not, we’ve had all our kids to see one at times, we know friends and family that see them. But it wasn’t until a few things occurred that I thought about it differently.
I was listening to a podcast where a Psychologist mentioned some of his business clients prefer to call him a coach. It probably wasn’t until a few months later that I actually thought that term resinated with me, I had had a few sessions with a Psych and was not sure if I was getting anything out of it. Further thinking and I reframed; it’s not like I was broken and trying get fixed, but I was being helped to be a better me. I was being coached.
A little while later thinking further, were there other things if I slightly reframed or found parallels for, would it resinate better and would I be less opposed to? (hmmm… Mindfulness vs Breathing / Yoga vs Stretching)
2) Parallels: Physical vs Mental
Why do we treat physical health different to mental health?
Thinking this through I came up with the following parallels between physical and mental health. They’re not a direct correlation but they help me frame things in a way I understand….
If I wanted to have good physical health, I might start going for regular walks.
If I want to have good mental health, I might … not isolate from others.
If I wanted to improve my physical health, I might start going to the gym.
If I want to improve mental health, I might … talk to others about how I’m feeling.
If I wanted to be physical healthy, I’d eat healthy.
If I want to be mentally health, I’d eat healthy, be physically healthy and practice some mindfulness.
If I wanted to excel in my physical health, I might get a personal trainer/coach.
If I want to excel in my mental health, might chat to a councillor/therapist/psychologist.
If I had a sore back, I might get a massage or go to the physiotherapist.
If I have unhealthy thoughts, burn out, anxious, depressed, I might chat to a councillor/therapist/psychologist/coach.
If I break my arm and need surgery to reset the bones, I’d see an orthopaedic surgeon.
If I continue to have unhealthy thoughts, I’d see a psychiatrist.
What has “Sea King Kelp” looked like for me?
- Being honest with myself. How am I really?
- Being honest and open with Colleen.
- Being genuine with mates
- Breathing
- Talking with a “Coach”
Everyone is different, other things may work for you. As long as you Sea Kelp 🙂
Side note to my Psychologist and Counselling friends: In no way am I downplaying the depth of study you have done and complexity of situations and conditions you work with. This post has been a tool to show what has blocked/helped me in my journey