Be Anxious for NothingSample

## “Check Up From the Neck Up” By Natasha Stewart-Gresham In the mental health world, patients tend to think that therapists have it all together. As mental health professionals, we often get hit with the notion that we are always OK, 100% of the time. That just isn’t true. I can think of my own example in which the pandemic brought up my own issues of anxiety and stress due to my adult children not being at home. As a professional, I knew resources, coping mechanisms, you name it … but as a mother, I was worried sick. I know the pressure of keeping up appearances all too well in my profession, but I can imagine you are likely struggling with that same pressure. People expect you to be OK all the time, but you’re finding yourself in a space where the mirage is fading and only reality lies beneath. I’m glad to share one solution: Start with self-care. Take time out for yourself and establish routines and practices that feed your soul and mind. For every task you do for someone else, try doing something just for yourself. You will be amazed at how much more vibrant and lively you’ll be. Remember: You are important too! We are created in God’s image — that’s a promise. If God can demonstrate peace and love to Himself, that means we can display those to ourselves too. By becoming our best selves, we build a foundation on which our newfound strength can strengthen someone else.