Sweet & Healthy; by Norm L. Quantz

May 8, 2024 – From one-liners, to in-depth mental health advice in light of Mental Health Week.

Introducing Norm, a retired Counseling and Trauma Therapist whose journey has been as diverse as it has been impactful. Graduating with a Masters of Arts in Counseling in 1989, Norm embarked on a career dedicated to helping others navigate the complexities of life. From his private practice to his role as an educator and relationship expert, Norm’s expertise has touched countless lives. He is also the author of two seminal works, “Trauma No More” (2021) and “It’s All About Power and Control” (2010), which have illuminated the path to healing for many. Now, Norm and his wife have found solace in the serene surroundings of Aspen Ridge Lodge, nestled in Didsbury. Here, amidst the beauty of nature, Norm continues to find inspiration for his writing and joy in the simple pleasures of family, games, and golf. In honor of Mental Health Week, Norm has graciously penned an article to share his insights and wisdom with our readers, shedding light on the importance of mental well-being in today’s world!

SWEET & HEALTHY: 

From One-Liners to In-Depth Mental Health Advice

By Norm L. Quantz, MA Counselling

Mental Health Support comes in many sizes, from one-liners to in-depth. 

• One-liners are like eating sweets – they feel good for the moment but have a short shelf life.

• In-depth is like eating healthy – it feels hard to start but beneficial over time. 

This mental health article is designed with both one-liners and in-depth support suggestions.

First, Some One-Liners to Ponder:

• Many people diminish their mental ill-health issues…but for a noble reason. They don’t want to burden others. But this may push others away that could help.

• Some may even burden others with their mental ill-health issues…but for a noble reason. They want others to empathize with them, relieving their mental anguish for that moment. This may repel others away because they don’t know how to help.

• “Look on the Bright Side of Life” or “See the Cup Half Full” or “Think Positive” are useful perspectives but can distract from “Tackling Your Problems Head On.”

• The real issue isn’t always the obvious one. For example, you may get anxious around a particular person. Blaming yourself for “not handling the situation better” may not be the best focus. Ask yourself, “Hmm, what triggers me about them?” Candor can clarify the issues.

• There is no shame in seeking help for your mental health.

• It’s ok to take medication for some mental health issues since emotional stressors can deplete necessary body chemicals.

• Other helpful comments are plentiful online.

Second, Some In-depth Actionable Advice:

This involves insight, planning, and persistence – steps that can make a lasting difference with practical value to improve more persistent mental health struggles. This journey is best partnered with a trusted friend or professional in order to provide a safe environment as you tackle more complex issues. Also, this can be helpful if you’re supporting someone.

Caution! Reviewing trauma events can trigger extreme reactions that need professional guidance such as a Medical, Psychiatric, or Mental Health Practitioner.

These six steps are abbreviated here from my Recovery Guide¹, since mental health, or more specifically mental ill-health, has a lot to do with how we respond to trauma in our lives.

Step 1 – Choose to Act

• Pick a recent traumatic event… 

• Decide where, when and with whom you will take this journey…

• Write down when you will meet…

• Sample: Meeting weekly with my helpful Aunt at her place. 

Step 2 – Describe your Trauma

• Pick any traumatic event…

• Download your memory in detail…

• What part holds the most emotionally troubling component…

• Sample: A recent rejection (described) that caused me to cry.

Step 3 – Identify your Theme

• What was your response to this trauma…

• What theme was present…

• Sample: I felt worthless.

Step 4 – Expose the Source and Impact

• What is the earliest trauma where this theme was present…

• Remember how you responded…

• How has it impacted your life since then…

• Sample: When I was 5, my older brother said I’m not welcome around his friends. I have frequently struggled to feel accepted by others.

Step 5 – Reinterpret your Beliefs

• What did you then learn to believe about life…

• Now that you are older, reflect on that event as it really was…

• Reinterpret that belief to be more accurate, truthful…

• Sample: I learned to doubt myself. Now that I think of it, my brother was struggling to feel accepted by his friends and took it out on me. To be more truthful, I am valuable and actually have close friends.

Step 6 – Affirm your Identity

• Determine who you want to be instead of who you have become…

• Who is the real you – because you are not your trauma…

• Affirm this new identity and now live it out in your life…

• Sample: I want to live free of that doubt and free to pick good friendships instead of longing after anyone who pays attention to me.

Guidelines:

This can help you be better grounded in a healthy mental health lifestyle.

If you are one of the supportive persons for a senior, be sensitive to who is mentally capable of walking through these steps. It is not for everyone. For some, establishing basic coping patterns is necessary to maintain stability. If in doubt, check with a mental health professional.

¹ TRAUMA NO MORE: A Six-Step Recovery Guide, (FriesenPress, 2021)

Mental Health & Addiction Information for Albertans – 24/7 

• Emergencies: 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency

• Health Link: 811 to discuss health questions

• Addiction Helpline: 1-866-332-2322

• Mental Health Helpline: 1-877-303-2642

Brief Bio of Norm L. Quantz, BTh, BRE, MA Counselling:

Counselling & Trauma Therapist (Retired), Educator, Relationship Expert, Author, MVSH Resident.www.NormQuantz.com – NLQ/05/2024