Letter to the Editor: Resources for mental health and unwanted thoughts

In response to the article titled “Men Deserve Mental Health Support Too” by Editor in Chief Kyler Emerson. Here are some gender-neutral mental health facts and tips for unwanted thoughts. 

 

There are two types of unwanted thoughts: 

Intrusive Thoughts – Thoughts that just pop into your head without warning. These unwanted thoughts can be scary, confusing, or just plain weird. 

Rumination – Thinking repeatedly about something like an idea, situation, or choice especially when it interrupts normal thinking and mental functioning. 

 

What can help

How to Practice Mindfulness When Dealing with Unwanted Thoughts 

First, acknowledge or accept the unwanted thought and label it as  an intrusive or unwanted thought. Second, allow yourself to experience whatever is happening, this applies both emotionally and physically. Third, as you are no longer trying to stop the thought you can now focus on moving past it. Finally, you can tell yourself positive things such as, “Let your thoughts pass like the clouds.” 

 

Where to get help: 

Surrey Mental Health and Substance Use Center….….604-953-4900 

Call a mental health professional one-on-one………….1-866-585-0445 

Or Text: 

For youth……….…………….68688 

For adults…………………….741741