It’s okay to accept that you are not okay. The overwhelming pressure the world puts on our shoulders to constantly look and feel okay is unjustified. In today’s fast-paced world, there are so many people pretending to be okay in the hope of actually being okay. Do you sometimes wonder, “I need to talk to someone about my problems?” But then fall silent because of guilt or shame? It is hard to talk about your problems. But once you cross that barrier, it actually gets better. Sharing your problems makes it easier to deal with them. If you are searching for the right channel to share your thoughts, continue reading.
Things to keep in mind while sharing your problems
Talking about your issues is crucial. However, not everything you talk about to people will help you achieve considerable outcomes. Some studies show that continuously talking about the negative aspects of life will not provide any benefits. Hence it is important to keep in mind a few points while sharing your problems:
1. Choose the right people
Many times when talking to someone does not yield fruitful results, it might be due to the person you are talking to. Try talking to a different person, preferably someone you trust. Build a network of people you can rely on. A broad social support system is valuable.
2. Talk about positive as well as negative things
Talking and expressing yourself is a good habit. However, do not just touch upon the negative aspects. Try talking about the good things in life. Reinstating positive things creates a sense to help break the passage of negative thoughts.
3. Give yourself a break
Venting out is essential. But so is giving yourself a break. If you realize you are talking about the same things repeatedly, take some time off. Give yourself an endpoint.
Importance of talking about your problems
We are taught to believe that we can do anything. Most of us grow up believing this. Some believe in this ideology so extensively that they mold themselves to not rely on anyone but themselves. They end up making walls around their heart. These high and mighty walls refused to break down even in the face of stress and anxiety. Even if the world tells you otherwise, it is okay to need a shoulder to lean on. It is okay to need someone or feel that I want to talk to someone about my problems.
It is necessary to share your thoughts and problems with someone. That someone could be a family member, a friend, or an unknown, depending on your sense of comfort. In the face of adversity, you might feel that talking is counterproductive. However, sharing your problems makes it better, scientifically and psychologically.
1. Scientific Reason:
When you’re enduring strong emotions, such as fear, aggressiveness, or worry, your amygdala is in control. Amygdala is the part of the brain that causes your fight or flight instincts. The amygdala, along with the rest of your limbic system, is responsible for determining whether something is a threat, devising a remedy if needed, and storing the information in your brain to distinguish the danger later. This brain region can assume command and even overpower logical mental processes when you are anxious or overwhelmed.
Research by the University of California indicates that expressing your feelings in words — a process known as “affect labeling” — can reduce the amygdala’s reaction while you experience stressful situations. That way, you learn to get less anxious over things that annoy you.
2. Psychological Impact:
According to Southern Methodist University research, writing about painful memories or seeking talk therapy enhances a person’s health and immune responses. According to the study, suppressing thoughts and emotions is stressful. In any case scenarios, you are bound to have stressful feelings. However you have to do the extra work to repress them. This can overburden the brain and body, leaving you more prone to illness or simply feeling bad.
However, talking to someone, be it a trained professional or a person you know, will not multi-fold reduce your problems. However, it will notably affect your well-being. So the next time you feel like I need to talk to someone about my problems, do it!
Free online channels to share your problems
Sometimes it is easier to tell a problem to an unknown rather than somebody you know. Do you also think, “I need to talk to someone about my problems but for free?” Well, we have found a solution to your problem. There are multiple channels, helplines, and communication facilities available online to help you relieve your stress. The following channels and initiatives might help you find the right person to talk to about your problems:
1. 7cups.com
7 Cups is a path-breaking initiative that allows people to talk and express their emotions. The website takes people who want to vent out to people who will listen. It connects people to listeners who are well-qualified to provide assistance. A person can choose the first available listener or a specific listener to talk to.
2. Buddyhelp.org
Buddy help is an online venture aimed at serving people through a community of active listeners. This is a unique initiative as it needs no installation or registration process. It uses the command of the chat button to start a conversation on the messenger of the platform of choice.
3. Now&Me
Now&Me is a platform that allows people to share their problems and emotions with kind strangers anonymously. It has strict community guidelines and issues trigger warning to people before displaying sensitive content.
Know when to seek professional help
There is a limit to how many people, known and unknown, might be able to help you. However, if you have sustained periods of anxiety, stress, or feel unwell for a long time, consult professional help. Visit a therapist. Be honest about what you are going through. Asking for help will put this journey of attaining good mental health on track.
Conclusion:
The problems you face are relevant even though they may seem minor or inconsequential. If you need to talk to someone about your problems, do it. Find someone to share the most mundane and the most essential details with. Allow yourself to heal fully. People facing mental health issues need a positive and safe space to talk about their problems. Therapy provides this safe space and helps struggling individuals find a way to deal with their issues. Access to therapy is easier than ever with the advent of online therapy platforms. To learn more about them, click here.
To read more about mental health issues and to raise awareness for the cause, visit https://yourmentalhealthpal.com/