Inviting Friends into the Struggles

Have you ever felt like you were struggling yet nobody had any idea?

Have you ever felt like maybe you wanted someone to know, but didn’t know how to even begin that conversation?

Often, when our mental health is struggling, we can sometimes believe some pretty harsh lies that prevent us from wanting to reach out for help. However, the truth is that you are a worthy being who is not meant to carry your burdens on your own. Sometimes we are the ones who are quick to lend a listening ear or a helpful hand, yet asking for our own help seems impossible.

Here are some ways to approach the hard conversations when it feels daunting to even find the words.

- Identify and acknowledge your struggle: Are there signs that you personally recognize in yourself that indicate a decline in your mental health? Perhaps you find yourself socially withdrawing or maybe the motivation you had to cook those yummy meals you typically like making seems to have completely disappeared. Maybe it’s far more obvious and you haven’t felt like yourself for a long time. Take some time for introspection and give yourself permission to acknowledge the struggle.

- Identify your needs: As you give yourself the permission to acknowledge the struggle, some prickly feelings are more than likely to come up. As they do, allow yourself to feel them and reflect on what they are trying to tell you. Feeling through and processing our feelings can often reveal some unmet needs we personally have.

- Identifying safe relationships: Asking yourself who in your life feels safe to talk to is important when sharing vulnerable parts of yourself. Seeking a loved one who exhibits respect, honesty, and care are all healthy attributes to consider when reaching out.

- Asking a loved one if they have capacity: Asking for help is so important and you should not walk in your struggles alone. Just ensure that the people you reach out to are at a capacity within their mental health to provide the space. Being conscious of these boundaries are important for both you and your loved one.

- Affirm yourself: Asking for help takes vulnerability and courage. Acknowledging the bravery it takes to reach out in a time of need is incredibly important and also knowing that this act of bravery may give someone else the courage they need to reach out for help in their own struggles. Just remember-  You are brave. You are courageous. You are worthy and don’t you forget it!

- Reaching out to a mental health professional: Sometimes you don’t know what you need yet, it feels like too much, or there isn’t somebody that you feel safe sharing with at the time and that is okay. It is beneficial to seek therapy in times of struggle and contentment as there is always space to process, reflect, and grow. If you are ever feeling alone in your struggles or need a reminder on those positive affirmations, I would be honored to hear and hold your story with you.

- Megan