There is a tendency in the public mental health system to focus on relieving symptoms through medication and view individuals along the lines of their illness only, instead of their whole selves. This can be detrimental to the healing of the body, mind and soul.

Instead of addressing just the symptoms and illness, it is important to address the whole being when working through mental health issues. Focusing on self-love is a critical component of healing. Pain is a life experience that impacts the way we see ourselves, but it is not who we are. Illnesses and issues are just a small part of each individual and can be improved and even healed through self-love and acceptance.

Source: Barbra White, owner of Accepted as I Am Community Center, located at 157 S. Mill St., in Plymouth. For more information, call 734-455- 1438 or visit BarbraWhite.com.