Mary Richardson, an Advanced Practice Nurse and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, says that all good health starts with good mental health. “I believe that people struggle but I also believe they can get through things.”
Mary has been assisting individuals overcome their day-to-day mental health issues for 23 years. Clients come to her with anxiety and depression. They speak of their difficulty completing tasks and inability to believe they are functioning as their best selves. Societal issues are absolutely factors that influence these conditions, Mary says.
She asks questions to identify problem issues. Someone referenced their mood imbalance as “having big moods” instead of rage and anger. The example highlights the unique and individual ways individuals express themselves and verbalize their pain points and the need for mental health practitioners to listen carefully to understand triggers and areas of concern.
Education, compassion, and positivity help to build trust, Mary says. Humor and laughter are also important, and hope is essential in all treatments. “I always believe in the importance of HOPE. Of course, the client and provider must WORK,” she says. “With that hard work, individuals can truly get better.”