Seeking Support From Friends, Family, Or A Mental Health Professional

Seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional is a crucial step in maintaining or improving your mental health. Here are some suggestions on how to approach this: 

Seeking Support from Friends and Family

Choose the Right Time and Place: Find a quiet, comfortable place where you won’t be disturbed. Make sure you and the person you’re talking to have enough time to have a meaningful conversation.

Be Open and Honest: Share your feelings and experiences honestly. It’s okay to be vulnerable; it often encourages others to be supportive and understanding.

Express Your Needs Clearly: Let them know what type of support you’re looking for. Sometimes you might want advice, while other times you might just need someone to listen.

Be Prepared for Different Reactions: Everyone responds differently. Some might offer immediate support, while others might need time to process what you’ve shared.

Appreciate Their Efforts: Acknowledge the support and care your friends and family provide, even if it’s not exactly what you were hoping for. Gratitude can strengthen your relationships.

Seeking Professional Support

Research Your Options: Look into the different types of mental health professionals (such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and counsellors) to understand what services they offer.

Make the First Contact: Reach out to a professional through a call, email, or their online booking system. Many professionals understand the difficulties of this first step and will guide you through the process.

Prepare for Your First Session: It might be helpful to write down what you want to discuss, including your feelings, experiences, and any specific issues you’re facing.

Be Open to the Process: Therapy can sometimes be challenging as it involves facing your emotions and issues. It’s important to stay open and trust the therapeutic process.

Communicate Your Needs: If you feel that a certain approach isn’t working for you, communicate this to your therapist. A good therapist will be open to adjusting their methods to better suit your needs.

Summary

Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. It’s important to remember that everyone needs help sometimes, and reaching out for support is a proactive step towards your own wellbeing. Whether you turn to friends, family, or a professional, the key is to communicate openly, express your needs, and be willing to receive support.