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Last updated on July 5th, 2024 at 12:34 pm
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It’s world mental health day (Source World Health Org). That being shared I know mental health is a bit of a taboo. Some people don’t like to share their struggles (like me) or they may not be comfortable with the topic.
Let’s face it we all suffer from issues at one time of our lives or another. Be it a serious trauma or feeling isolated due to the current sate of the world.
We all struggle and there are some of us who struggler longer then others.
everyone is different
Everyone’s mental health struggle is different. Even though we put on a brave face and try to convince the outside world we are okay we can only fool ourselves so much. I’m speaking from my own personal experience. I can’t say this is fact for everyone.
Many of us may not know how to reach out or we may just feel that we handle the issue alone (that was my case).
It’s okay to ask for help
I don’t know if it’s a cultural thing or fear of embarrassment but I know many of us may not feel okay talking about our mental health struggles. I know for me it was a bit of both.
Like I said before everyone’s struggle is different.
we may not be fooling anyone at some point
I know for a fact that even as hard as I tried to put on a brave face I felt it wasn’t convincing anymore. I found myself feeling sad all the time. I also found myself crying when I was alone.
The biggest give away for me was when I went to see one of my favorite bands and even that didn’t give me as much joy as it should of. I knew I needed to see someone. I went about my usual routines but i just felt empty.
I felt alone in a crowd of people. It was just too much for me to try to fake being okay anymore.
If your ready to ask for help
Speaking from experience you don’t always know where to turn. I was lucky enough to have mental health services covered by my insurer so I sort of ended up finding my therapist on my own.
I’m going to tell you right now if you do that it’s like the blind leading the blind. that’s that’s the way I felt at least.
I would suggest contacting your insurer and asking if mental health services are covered in your plan. If they are you can go from there.
You can also check out Psychology Today and search for a therapist or mental health provider near you. I did that recently when looking for a career counselor.
therapy is process
Everyone mental health provider is different. Some may work on a goal basis. Other’s may work on finding the root of the issue. Some may suggest medication. All of these are things you need to take into consideration before your appointment.
It’s okay if you don’t click with a mental health provider at first. You may have the option to see someone else.
For me I can say that it is helping. Yes i sometimes cry like a 5 year old during my sessions but the topic for me is very hard to deal with. But it’s being done and I’m making progress so that’s a plus.
I can say this much for certain knowing you need help to deal with your struggle is a step in the right direction. No one wants to be sad all the time believe me it gets exhausting. I also knew I could only lie to myself so much before I couldn’t believe myself anymore.
Even if you don’t reach out to a mental health provider talk to someone close to you if possible a teacher, parent or a clergy person (If that applies). Being able to unburden myself is the best feeling.
You can have someone validate your struggle and guide you through and hopefully you will be able to concur it. We all need to know that our mental health is as important as the rest of our health.
