When was the last time you opened up to someone about how you’re feeling?
I know it can be scary at first but confiding in someone you trust can enable you to let go of some of the hurt, anxiety, anger or worry that you might be holding on to as you’ll not be carrying it all around on your shoulders.
Perhaps you’re struggling with your mental health, your well being is suffering or you may have had a falling out with someone, lost a family member, work may not been particularly successful or you might have broken up with someone. Talking to someone can help no matter how big or small the problem can seem.
That age old saying of ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’ is so true. Often saying how you feel and tell someone whats going on out loud can help to organise things in your own mind and it can feel like a huge weight has been lifted just by opening up. When I’ve spoken out to another person, they’ve often helped me to see that what I’m upset or worrying about isn’t as huge as I’ve built it up to be by not telling anyone or they’ve helped me to be able to see that all is not lost and that a resolution can be sought.
Rather than bottling everything up, talk things through over a cuppa, on the phone or by going for a walk. It could be with a family member or friend you trust or with a completely impartial third party.
You’ll feel so much better and things don’t look as difficult when there’s someone else to lighten the load.
This post was inspired by a journey I took recently, driving through town completely on autopilot when I saw the police with a man standing on the bridge over the River Wear. It broke my heart to see someone facing such desperation and I really hope that he receives the help that he needs.
If things ever get so bad, please remember that you’re not alone. There are even helplines and charities out there that you can talk to; you never have to go through anything in your life on your own.
Here are some I found online:
Samaritans, designed for everyone, call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Breathing Space, for those in Scotland, 0800 83 85 87
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) which is aimed for men, call on 0800 58 58 58 or access their webchat
Childline, for those under 19, call 0800 1111
MIND for mental health support, call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463
Papyrus which is aimed at the under 35s, call on 0800 068 41 41, text 07786 209697 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org
The Silverline, for the older generation, call 0800 4 70 80 90
How do you find opening up to someone impacts how you feel? What advice would you give to someone who is struggling?
