Mental Health Monday: Animal Assisted Counseling of Indiana
Mental Health Check In: How Are You Really Doing?
Let’s take a moment and pause.
Take a breath.
Ask yourself gently—How am I really doing?
Starting the week with a mental health check in is one of the kindest habits we can build. It allows us to slow down, notice what’s going on emotionally and physically, and respond with care instead of just reacting.
At Animal Assisted Counseling of Indiana (AACI), we help clients create these micro-moments of reflection during sessions—with the comforting presence of therapy dogs at their side. But even outside the therapy room, you can bring this practice into your daily life.
In today’s post, we’ll guide you through how to do a meaningful mental health check in, what signs to look for, and how to get support if you need it.
🌿 Why Mental Health Check Ins Matter
Most of us check our phones more often than we check in with ourselves.
But without regular emotional check ins, we may not realize:
We’re carrying stress in our body
Our sleep patterns are changing
We’re becoming more reactive or withdrawn
We feel low, anxious, or numb without knowing why
A consistent mental health check in can help you:
Recognize your emotional patterns
Prevent burnout or emotional overwhelm
Improve communication with loved ones
Build emotional intelligence and resilience
🧘♀️ How to Do a Mental Health Check In
You don’t need a fancy app or a journal (though those help). All you need is a few quiet minutes. Here’s how:
Step 1: Pause
Find a quiet space—even if just for 2 minutes. Put your phone down. Take 3 slow breaths
Step 2: Scan Your Body
Ask yourself:
Where am I holding tension?
Am I tired or rested?
Do I feel heavy, light, wired, sluggish?
This connects your mind and body.
Step 3: Name Your Emotions
Use phrases like:
“Right now I feel…”
“A part of me is holding…”
“I notice sadness/anxiety/frustration/hope.”
Naming emotions reduces their grip.
Step 4: Ask What You Need
What would support you right now?
Rest?
Movement?
Connection?
Quiet?
This simple question builds self-awareness and self-compassion.
🧠 Explore this helpful resource on emotional awareness from MHA
🐾 The Role of Therapy Animals in Mental Health Check-Ins
At AACI, our therapy dogs play a key role in helping clients feel emotionally safe and grounded during sessions.
Here’s how:
Their calm presence reduces nervous system activation
They offer non-verbal comfort that eases emotional expression
They help children and teens open up more easily
They model unconditional presence—a trait many of us crave in relationships
Whether you’re sitting quietly or processing heavy emotions, having a dog nearby can shift the entire emotional atmosphere.
⚠️ Signs You Might Need Extra Support
A mental health check in can also serve as an early warning system. If you consistently notice these signs, it may be time to reach out:
You’re feeling emotionally numb or disconnected
You cry often or feel irritable without a clear cause
You feel hopeless or helpless about the future
You’re withdrawing from people and activities
You’re struggling to sleep, eat, or focus
There’s no shame in needing help. You don’t have to wait for a “breaking point” to start therapy.
💬 Check-Ins Within Relationships
Mental health check ins aren’t just for individuals—they can also strengthen your relationships.
Try asking your partner, teen, or child:
“What’s been the hardest part of your week so far?”
“Is there anything you need from me today?”
“What’s something that’s made you feel proud or strong this week?”
These simple questions help build trust and emotional safety.
🎯 Mental Health Monday Challenge
Choose a time each day this week to pause and do a 2-minute mental health check in. Set a reminder if needed.
Then journal your answers:
How am I feeling physically?
What emotions are present?
What do I need right now?
This small habit can create a big shift in how you show up for yourself and others.
🐶 Need a Safe Space to Start?
If you’ve been feeling off, overwhelmed, or unsure what you’re feeling—you’re not alone. At AACI, we create a safe, supportive space where therapy dogs help ease anxiety and emotional vulnerability.
We support adults, teens, tweens, couples, and families across Northwest Indiana—and we’d be honored to support you too.
🗓️Contact us today
📍 Located in Munster, Indiana | In-person & telehealth sessions available