Whether you have issues with anxiety, depression, sadness, attachment, or other mental health issues, finding a place where you feel happy and safe is important.  For some, that might be home, with family.  For others, that place might be a destination, like a lake or even a mall.  Having that place, where you go to recharge your batteries and care for yourself is like needing air.  With the weight of the world often on your shoulders, don’t underestimate what having a happy place can do.

                In working with patients we often work on self-care.  For many, caring for yourself isn’t second nature.  Many of my patients are good at caring for others, but neglect themselves.  We talk about self-care in terms of small things to do at home, from taking a nice bath to setting aside time to read books.  If they are parents we talk about how finding that happy place can help them be better parents.  If they are caregivers, we talk about how self-care can help them be better caregivers.    It’s hard to understand how putting you first, can help you care for others, but it’s hard to be a good caregiver without it.

                A happy place can be somewhere in your home, like a hot bath.  I have had people use their bedroom, an office, a separate room, or a “she shack” in the backyard.  For others, it could be a place.  One previous patient went to Starbucks, with a book when she needed time.   Another patient had his “man cave” in the basement.  He enjoyed sports with friends, and naps in his cave.  Other people have places they go every year, like the shore, or the mountains.  One patient visited his family cabin in the mountains every year, and it was always interesting how his mood and presentation was different when he returned.  When you find your happy place, it will help renew your soul and help it shine.

                Depression and anxiety, and life responsibilities, can be overwhelming.  They can keep us from seeing the positive things in our lives.  A happy place can put those things back in perspective.   After working on her depression issues for some time, a past patient planned a trip to get a new perspective on her concerns.  She chose a destination, made plans to travel, chose a hotel and off she went.  She returned and shared her experience, and began crying almost as soon as she started talking.  She talked about sleeping past her normal time, eating her favorite food, and activities she enjoyed.   After talking about those things, she shared that she realized how tired she was.  She talked about being overwhelmed, but after getting away she could return with a new focus, a new energy.

                Take time to find your happy place.  Visit it as often as you can.  Renew your soul and your energy.  Remember that you are important, including your health, your mental health, and your happiness.  Find ways to calm your mind when you visit.  Stay in the moment and don’t allow all the things in your life to mess things up.  Enjoy your time, and return renewed and re-energized.  It’s all part of being happy, for life.