More and more people are talking about mental health which is fantastic, not too long ago we were told to ‘stiffen that upper lip’ or worse yet, ‘man up’. These are two sayings that I despise, thankfully though people are opening up more and talking about their feelings and what is bothering them.

However, there are still people out there that wont talk about what’s causing them mental health issues because they think its over something silly or that no one will want to talk to them about it. No matter how small you think the problem is or if you think it’s embarrassing, if its causing you stress and worry then there are plenty of people who want to hear what’s bothering you. These people will help you get through it no matter how ‘small’ it may be.

Why you should seek help

If you are currently going through a tough time and you’re suffer with anxiety or any other mental health issue, I can’t stress enough how important it is to talk to someone about it.

It can be anyone from a family member, a friend or your doctor. Talking to someone and saying you worries out loud will help. I know its easier said than done to just say “Hey, suffering with mental health? Well just open buddy.” There is so many thoughts that go around your mind like ‘I’ll be letting people down if I admit I have mental health issues’ or ‘people will judge me if they find out’. But, if you open up about it, you’ll find out that you are not alone, and everyone suffers with mental health to some degree.

If you feel you can’t talk to family or friends, then seek help through your doctors and they can help you through it and get in touch with all kinds of organisations and support groups.

It does get easier

When you seek help and start talking about your worries, it does get easier. I’m not saying it’s a quick fix and by just talking once to someone makes everything better, but by continuing to talk and expressing ourselves, life gets a little easier as the stress and weight it brings on our shoulders gets lighter.

Taking the first step is the most important, talking. Finding the right method that works for you will change your life, be it support groups with other people, or one to ones with counselling. Just by going online you will find so much help and advice by professionals or people who have dealt with it themselves, who talk about their experiences and how they’ve dealt and coped with it.

Let’s break the stigma around mental illness once and for all and start talking, and more importantly let’s start supporting those who need it and help guide each other through difficult times. No one is perfect, and that’s OK.

If you are suffering with mental illness or have done in the past, then please leave a comment on here. Don’t go through it alone.