We are all in this together.

I’m my own best psychotherapist. That’s how I get through life. If I feel anxiety or any kind of mental disorder, I go to the best psychotherapist. Yes, namely me. I’m the best. Because I’ve learned to delve into me. Into my inner sanctum. To deal with my spirit. With my soul. With the core of my being.  Fixing the problem. That’s how I’ve learned to deal with grief, for instance. I identify the problem. Rather than ignoring it. I even did that as a youngster. Through my version of self-analysis. Most times, I’ve done that effectively. Devising solutions. Nipping psychological problems in the bud. Sometimes, with the help of trusted friends. Seldom did I have to turn to a professional psychotherapist. After all, I’m the best. Because I know me. Better than anyone. Anyway, I imagine that’s how it was done. In the past. When there were no professional psychotherapists. One had to rely on one’s self. To find the way out of doldrums. Out of the labyrinth. There were no drugs. To treat anxiety and depression. We had to become our own psychotherapists. To cope. On our own. With the mental problems associated with life. This was long before such theories as post traumatic syndrome. We are fortunate now. To live in an age. When we can better understand the intricacies of the human mind. And what it is that causes anxiety and depression. Perhaps a single event. Or a chemical imbalance. That turns the mind awry. I understand that. Because I am my own psychotherapist. I give thought. To my mental problems. Virtually every day. That’s my way. To get through life. As a functioning and thriving human being. Yes, and sometimes with the help of others. Seems to me, that we are all in this together.--Jim Broede