Let’s Get Acquainted
I would like to introduce myself to you as the newest contributor to the Table Hopping Newspaper. I feel privileged to have this opportunity and will do my best to enlighten you and improve your quality of life and mental well-being.
I believe mental health is a topic that deserves attention in our ever-changing world, given the ongoing demands of daily life and the stressors placed upon us. From work-related stress, the economy, school, trying to maintain relationships, and social pressures, individuals are contending with an array of issues like never before.
We need to start a conversation about mental health topics such as anxiety, depression, modality treatments, coping strategies, and when to seek professional help. By discussing these issues and providing insight, we continue to reduce stigmas surrounding the topic of mental health and normalize it. We must continue to share our stories, come from a place of understanding, and support others. We must keep in mind that cultivating mental well-being requires patience, care, and time. And there’s never been a better time to put the spotlight on mental health than right now.
Now, here’s a little information about me. I have been in the mental health field for over twenty-five years in different capacities, such as educator, group facilitator, mentor, and lecturer. I have a master’s degree with a concentration in counseling. I have been in private practice since 2009, providing one-on-one mentoring sessions educating individuals contending with anxiety and depression. I have authored three books: Therapy Land, Rethinking Anxiety and Depression: Two Important Messengers, and Conquering Shame: Surviving to Thriving. I have given presentations on topics pertinent to mental health throughout the community at various locations such as Nami-Promise Incorporated in Syracuse and Oneida and the Mental Health Association of Onondaga County. I have appeared on radio and television and podcasts, received an award from the Mental Health Association of Onondaga County, and was honored for “innovative work that gives people suffering from panic, anxiety and depression the support and knowledge needed to help themselves.” Most recently, I developed the Developmental and Recovery Stages of Shame that consist of seven stages and provide a roadmap for becoming liberated from shame.
I believe in transparency when it comes to mental health, whether it be sharing excerpts from my books that capture the very essence of my experiences or my journey with panic, trauma, and shame, being diagnosed with PTSD, learning how to manage my symptoms, and being my biggest cheerleader despite life’s ups and downs.
I will make it a point to write about topics that are going to help you, such as ways to mitigate stress, improving self-esteem, understanding triggers, learning how stress affects mental health, establishing healthy boundaries, resilience and mental health, and cultivating agency, just to name a few. In addition, I will provide you with an array of tools and techniques that will be instrumental in promoting mental well-being. And finally, to share things that matter most to me: my family, my dogs, Sadie and Sandwich, and cooking Italian dishes!
As time goes by, I hope you get to know me better. Above all, I hope you enjoy my articles and my column, “Mental Health Matters.” I felt the title was fitting given my high regard for the mental health profession, the importance of helping individuals maintain their mental health throughout the years, and understanding how it affects our daily lives. Please know that your feedback is greatly appreciated. For questions or comments, feel free to reach out to me at www.monicashelp.com.
And finally, a big thank you to Madison Neuner for meeting with me over the last six months to ensure a smooth transition. Madison, I will be forever indebted to you for passing the column off to me. Many thanks to Table Hopping Newspaper for this incredible opportunity. I look forward to providing informative and uplifting articles to your readers throughout the community.
