FOUR WAYS TO REACH OUT WHEN YOU ARE STRUGGLING
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON LEVEL21
Show Up and be Present
I know what it feels like to want to isolate yourself. To not show anyone that you are hurt and broken. It feels like that is the best thing to do. But I'm learning that it's not. Sometimes, getting the courage to socialize is hard, even when you know being around people will make you feel better. Get together with people you love & love you & do something fun. Being around the people you care about can help take your mind off the things you are feeling, even just for a little while. You don't even have to participate in the conversation.
2. think of people who you could reach out to, even in a small way.
I have people in my life tell me again & again, 'I'm here for you if you ever want to talk.' Do I ever take them up on it? No. I don't want to come across as a burden, laying all my problems on them. I'm telling you this because there are people in your life who want to be there for you. You have to listen & step out of your comfort zone.
Maybe it's the friendship that's slowly forming. Perhaps it's that person you've wanted to connect with; Perhaps it's your best friend or sister.
3. Open up to other people about your feelings — the good and the bad.
Being Authentic & Vulnerable with others is hard. But when we begin expressing our true feelings with others, we realize that most of us share the same insecurities and fears. As a result, we can start not to take things personally, make assumptions about the meaning behind what people say, and we won't internalize the comments or behavior of other individuals, which can reduce the need to act out in negative or self-destructive behaviors and decreases symptoms of depression and anxiety.
4. Don't rely on yourself to get better.
It would help if you never were afraid to seek treatment, whether in the form of seeing a professional, taking medication, or another method. But, unfortunately, if you have a hard time feeling happy, it's not all on you to figure it out.
