Reiki and Mental Health
As you may know, I worked as a Psychiatric Nurse on the Addictions & Mental Health Unit. Many people are starting to accept others with mental health issues. However, they are not so accepting of those with addictions. It is difficult for clients when they have both.
In many ways, clients have said to me they would rather just be an addict than have the additional burden of a mental illness on top of this. They felt in part that they at least knew what they were ingesting/smoking etc and it was their decision, not that of a Doctor or health care practitioner.
They spoke to me of their hopes and dreams as children. They wanted to be Doctors, lawyers, firemen, etc. They never dreamed they would grow up to become an addict! Some of them did become the Doctors, lawyers and firemen before they became addicted. Often this was a result of injuries on the job and getting hooked on narcotics to relieve their pain. Clients as well found that mental illness took over their lives. Others still had horrific childhoods that many of us cannot even fathom how difficult it must have been to just survive. Until we have walked in someone’s shoes we have no idea the pain both physical and mental that they are dealing with. Perhaps if we all were not so quick to judge people we would gain better understanding of others.
I don’t know about you but some days it is difficult to get up in the morning, let alone get out of my PJ’s. I am sure you can relate! I also know it is o.k. to just take a day off. You can read a book, go for a walk along the beach, treat yourself to take out, have a bubble bath, etc. We all need a chance to reboot ourselves. If perhaps you are an accountant and it is tax season, you can plan for a mini vacation when it is over. It gives you something to look forward to and can keep you going when you are feeling exhausted.
When you look at it, we are no good to or for anyone else unless we take care of ourselves. I often will book someone to give me some Reiki or other holistic therapies. You forget how wonderful it is to receive such a gift. You come out more balanced and able to help your own clients better.
I also know sunshine is important to my mental health. I am so happy we are finally seeing some after such a long time without. What a long and crazy extended winter we have had with the snow, freezing rain, high winds, etc. So glad my poor spring flowers made it after all this and are showing off their beautiful colours. Spring gives me a sense of renewal. It feels like we are all coming out of our caves and finally embracing spring.
We did a four-year study on the benefits of Reiki in the mental health and addictions program. Here are two graphs which show improvements in depressed mood and headaches. (The different colours show before and after Reiki.) For over 32 years I have been a Reiki practitioner including being a Reiki Master/Teacher. I was honoured to work as a nurse in psychiatry and to practice Reiki. I hope you will consider receiving a treatment which will enhance your quality of life. I am here for you.
