Talking about mental health issues can be difficult, especially if they are your own. Not knowing the right thing to say can and talking about your own emotions can be daunting. However, it is important that people talk about these issues when they first start. It is easy for you to let emotions to build and be bottled up over time, but you should not let this happen. Bottling up emptions can be even worse for your mental problems, whether it is your friend, parent or professional its important you talk to people about how you feel.
Who to talk too
Even when it may seem like you do not have anyone to talk to, you do. Mental health problems are a lot more common that you may think. When you get talking you will realise you aren’t alone. The person you’re going to for advice will most likely have had to deal with mental health problems once before. From your loved ones, friends to teachers there are many people who will prefer you to talk to them if you are having a tough time. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone from your family, or relationship; then there are plenty of other people who will happily listen and offer support and advice if you so desire.
- Betterhelp.com
- Mind.org.uk
- Nhs.uk
- Centureformentalhealth.org.uk
- Supportline.org.uk
- Rethink.org
- Giveusashout.org
- Callhelpline.org
Tips for talking
- Make sure you are somewhere where you feel comfortable. Weather this is at your house, at school, in the park. It will help if you feel happy and relaxed when you are going to speak up about you issues. This will make it less stressful for you.
- Write down what you want to say. It is hard to remember everything you want to talk about in the moment. You can take what you have written with you or just have it there to practice before you speak. If this feels too formal you can use notes on your phone just to help, make sense of what it is you are trying to say.
- If the person who you are speaking to has questions or wants to know more, it is okay if you decide you do not want to answer any questions yet or want to tell them more. It is important to not let things build up, but progress is still progress. Talking little bits at a time is still okay and you are still doing an excellent job.
- By opening up to someone about your mental health problems you give them some sort of responsibility to help you. This could just be in a way where they listen but if you need more support from them in a different way do not be afraid to ask. It is easy to feel like a burden but remember if you have gone to them for help, they are either someone close to you or a professional and either of which will not think you are a burden and would rather you speak to them then you bottle things up. Remember it is not an unusual thing to have issues with mental health. It is nothing new and you are not the only one. You may be surprised how many people will be able to relate to you.
