Follow your gut.
You might have an inclin that your friend isn’t the same person they’ve always been.
Little signs may alert you to them behaving in a different way to what you’ve come to expect so if they tell you they’re okay, when you think they’re not, don’t be afraid to #asktwice.
Similarly, if you’re not okay, it’s okay to say it out loud.
It’s 2021. It’s no longer a weakness for admitting we’re struggling with our mental health. In fact, it’s a sign of strength to open up and talk about whatever it is that’s on your mind.
Nothing good has ever come from keeping things locked away, from dwelling on negative thoughts. Plenty of great things have come about however, from opening up and confiding in someone.
A problem shared is a problem halved. Our mind has a wicked way of making us believe that we’re the only ones to have ever had these thoughts and to actually put into words what you’re experiencing would be to admit something isn’t right.
Even if you’re ready to talk about it, where do you start? Up until now, they’ve just been random thoughts inside your head that hardly make sense to you so just how you’re going to explain them to someone else so they will understand is hard.
Despite what your mind tells you, you aren’t the only one to have ever had these negative thoughts. Whatever they are, someone somewhere would have had exactly the same concerns and they will be way more common than you think.
Opening up to close friends or family is scary. Letting your guard down and completely confiding in them in the hope that they’ll understand is incredibly daunting. You’ll feel vulnerable and exposed, nervous and reluctant.
Once you’ve taken that first step though, the weight will lift almost immediately. Your thoughts will soon turn to ones such as, “why didn’t I do this sooner”? and, “I feel better already”.
The person you’re talking to might not have the answers but just having someone to listen to you and to open up to can make all the difference.
If speaking to your nearest and dearest isn’t something you’re comfortable with right now for whatever reason, communicating with a total stranger might be more appropriate. We can often open up to people we don’t know more so than those closest to us.
Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. Just text 85258.
https://giveusashout.org/
Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. You can reach out to them in the following ways:
Infoline: 0300 123 3393
https://www.mind.org.uk/
You’re not a “weirdo” for struggling to cope with the thoughts running through your head. You’re not “weak”, “stupid”, “pathetic” or any of the other derogatory things you might tell yourself that you are.
You’re human. It’s perfectly normal to not feel okay. Don’t keep it to yourself. Talk to someone and remember, a problem shared is a problem halved.
