Come to terms with the fact that recognizing a change in your mental health won’t make you abnormal or weird. One of the main reasons people don’t allow themselves to start a conversation about their own well-being is pride. Many fear that it will make them seem “weak” or “broken.” Humans aren’t perfectly-crafted beings; we all have hardships that we deal with throughout our lifetimes, and for many, these battles involve our own minds. Identifying your personal struggles doesn’t make you “weak,” but makes you a leader for working to change the stigma that surrounds mental health in our society.
Face to face isn’t always realistic. A lot of our communication takes place through technology nowadays, so don’t be afraid to kick off the discussion through a text or direct message to someone you rely on. Talking about something as personal as this is not simple, so using a method that makes you the most comfortable will only result in a more impactful and enriching conversation on both ends.
Find someone who you really trust. The thought of opening up to a random stranger about a topic as personal as this can be really intimidating. Medical professionals don’t always have to be the first person you speak to about your mental health. Someone you feel comfortable with, whether that’s a friend, instructor, family member, or whoever it may be, is the perfect person to strike up a conversation with. Find someone who you feel safe enough to open up to and will take your matter seriously.
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Speak to them about potential options for professional care. While speaking to your loved ones about what you experience and the state of your well-being is a very important step, you must accept that what you are dealing with is much bigger than you and those you trust. Seeking professional help and treatment is just as important as opening up about this topic in the first place. These professionals will assist you in ways a conversation simply can’t mend.
Realize that it takes time. The betterment of yourself is a process. How you feel and how you’ve been feeling will not change overnight. You have to remember to stay as courageous and open-minded as you were when the journey began.
Develop a safe space around yourself and allow others to approach you about the same topic. I’m not telling you to address others’ problems before you address your own, but when it comes to a point where you feel confident in the progress you have made, spread the wealth and help others begin the path you once did when you started the conversation about your mental health. You can do this by recognizing changes in those close to you, and, overall, letting others know that they can tell you anything.
Florida State offers an array of resources for students and their mental health while on-campus. You can visit the University Counseling Center’s website for more information on counseling, workshops, and more.
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