If you are anything life me, you have become more aware of your mental health. There are a lot of stigmas around mental health, and it can be scary trying to reach out to someone! I am now starting to talk about it with my close ones, however it was really scary to even begin the conversation. Here are some of the steps I took and hopefully you can benefit from them too!
Do Research
Research can go a long way! Researching and trying to understand topics such as anxiety helped me understand it more than I did before. I tried to find common symptoms and stories from other people and see if it relates to my own experience. I am not encouraging self-diagnosis (leave that to the professionals). However, having an idea of what you need help with can push you in the right direction!
Make a list
Personally, when trying to talk about mental health to my loved ones; I got really anxious, and sugar coated everything I said. Instead, I wrote down everything I experience and made connections to different symptoms. I am aware that every thought may not be true; but trying to figure out where my anxiety is coming from is a star!
Have a plan
One thing that I noticed is that after I would talk about mental health, there was an awkward silence. It felt as if everyone in the room was wondering “What Next”? “What can I do”? Instead, write down your options. Explore steps such as talking to your primary doctor, looking for a therapist, educating your loved ones on mental health. Looking into future options show that this is important to you. It will also make the whole journey easier for your loved ones to understand.
Take deep breaths and take your time
The conversation for mental health is not opened and embraced. Although it may be challenging for you, it can also be challenging for whoever you talk to. Remember that all parties may need a moment to take in everything that is said. Not everything will happen in one day! Finding a therapist may take a little bit! Just remember to take deep breaths and go at your own pace. The fact that you are either thinking about exploring your mental health or beginning to talk about it, is a great step! It is a lifelong journey, but it is one worth taking!