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Mental vs Behavioral Health

May is mental health month, and as I thought about what I should write in this post, I felt confused. Well, it is mental health month after all, but for someone who worked in a mental (behavioral) health unit for over ten years I should have no difficulty discerning between the two. And yet, when I think of mental vs behavioral health, I see the faces of some of my patients – some alert, others flat, still others inappropriately animated. Many of them have coexisting conditions, either substance abuse disorders and/or chronic illnesses such as diabetes or high blood pressure. How do you address these problems?

MentalHealth.gov states that “mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.” It goes on to state that mental illness affects your thinking, mood and behavior. Does that mean then that if a person can change his behavior he could become well? Not exactly. Someone suffering from bipolar does need to learn to modify her behavior, but until she gets her mania and depression under control with medication, we will see little or no change in her behavior. This is why doctors recommend a combination of medication and therapy or counseling.

Many times, a hospital stay is inadequate to make a significant impact on a person’s performance. Continued counseling or coaching is needed to help the person benefit fully from treatment. In my practice, I can help you make those lifestyle changes that will help you deal with depression, anxiety and stress.

In this month of May, the emphasis is on mental health. If you have been struggling with the disorders mentioned above for a long time, now is the time to take control. Fill out the form below and arrange for a free consultation. I will be happy to hear from you.

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A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can send your life into a tailspin. It can leave you feeling alone and overwhelmed, but it doesn’t have to. Join my type 2 diabetes network group and get the help and support you need.

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Welcome

Welcome to Angie’s Health Coaching. I am so glad you found my site. You didn’t get here by accident. You have been examining your life and realize you need help making some lifestyle changes. Maybe your physical health is not what you would like to be. Or it may be your emotional or mental health or all three. Whatever your quest may be, I am here to help you. I am a health coach with eighteen years experience  as an occupational therapist. You can read more about me on my About Me page.

But first, let me explain to  you what a health coach is. When people hear the word coaching, they think of counseling, but health coaching is not counseling. There’s a difference between the two. Counseling advises you on how to deal with an issue in your life, what decisions to make and how to make them. Health coaching involves listening to the client and helping them make lifestyle changes that include physical activity, sensible eating habits and stress reduction.

Coaching goes beneath the surface to assess the needs, desires and goals of the individual. For example, when a client says, “I want to lose 20 pounds,” a counselor may say let’s do this or that, but a  good health coach will try to find out what is the motivation behind the goal. Is it just to look better, or is it because heart disease runs in his family and he is afraid that he might develop the disease? This allows the coach to delve further into the lifestyle habits of the client so as to better assist him to achieve his goals.

So, are you ready to embark on a journey that will change your life forever? If so, use the contact form to arrange for a free consultation. I look forward to hearing from you.

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