What would you do if you suspected you had a broken arm? Or a fractured hip? How about a temperature reading above 100 for 3 days? Most people would try to schedule a visit with a doctor.

What would you do if you began to notice that you were beginning to have a difficult time getting out of bed, not because of anything physical, but because you just didn’t want to face the world? What if you had a badly injured spirit because you’d been raped or been made a victim of incest (I’m asking males and females these questions)? Or if as a child you’d been lead to believe that you were worthless and would never amount to anything?

Are we getting to a point as a society where we’re becoming more willing to seek help when something’s wrong on the inside? Don’t get me wrong. I realize the willingness to get help can be difficult even when the problem is physical. Many people who have heart attacks that become more severe than they would have had the person received medical attention sooner. Sometimes the person honestly doesn’t realize there’s a serious problem. At other times people realize there’s a serious problem but, whether due to fear or other reasons, choose to simply hope the problem will resolve itself. Sometimes it’s a matter of shame or embarrassment that their body went through such an ordeal.

These  and more can be some of the same considerations when people delay or forgo seeking assistance with problems of the mind and/or emotions. Is it possible that earlier treatment could possibly help more people begin to experience a greater sense of peace, happiness, fulfillment in life sooner than later?

Follow along with me in June and July as I speak with experts in the field of counseling/psychology as we explore various areas where professional assistance can be of help. And share some of your thoughts about the state of mental and emotional health.