Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
When you are feeling low and struggling with your mental health, it can feel like a large internal battle is constantly at play. This experience can make it extremely challenging to seek support, as these feeling are generally more difficult to put into words and explain to others, especially if they come and go. However, when you are struggling, seeking support for your mental health could be the breakthrough needed to get past a down time. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to seek support. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all support system, as everyone is different and will respond differently to varying methods. Here are a few key support strategies for mental health.
Speak to Your Doctor
Your Doctor is a healthcare professional that should know your medical history and has developed a relationship of trust with you. Speaking to him/her is a strong option for gaining support for anything from mild issues to serious mental health concerns. When you speak to your Doctor, whether that is via telehealth or an in-person appointment, he/she will ask the necessary questions to better understand what is going on with you in order to help facilitate the appropriate assistance. This could include referrals to other doctors, prescribing medication, or even recommending more detailed therapies.
See a Therapist
You may choose to go straight to the therapy route. If this is the case, there are plenty of therapists, and different types of therapy methods available to you, depending on what you are struggling with. For example, there is behavioral therapy, cognitive, arts and creative, dialectical, mindfulness-based, person-centered, humanistic, psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, solution-focused, and many more. Each has its focus and techniques that specialize in supporting a wide variety of people and situations. Keep in mind, you are not expected to know which ones to choose. It usually is a process of trial and error to find the right person.
Support Groups
Support groups are located all over the world and are typically run by volunteers who have been through a similar experience, which is what makes them so unique and effective. The connective nature of support groups are what makes them appealing to those struggling with mental health issues. After all, with such challenges, you typically want a safe space where you can sit quietly and listen, or get involved and share your story. You can be as involved as you are comfortable with in a space that supports you without judgment.
Also, learning about others who are going through similar situations can be comforting and take a weight off of your shoulders. Knowing you are not alone sets a firm foundation for healing and change. Support groups are usually free or accept small donations. They can be a great way to seek support for whatever you are going through and to meet like-minded people.
Seeking support for your mental health can be extremely difficult, especially if you have never done it before. However, it is something that could be the best decision for your situation. Fortunately, there are a variety of options available to you, so start where you are and go with whichever choice feels good for you. It may also take some time to learn about what works for you, and what doesn’t.
**** This post is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Women’s lifelink, its owners, administrators, contributors, affiliates, vendors, authors, and editors do not claim that this information will diagnose, treat, or improve any condition or disease.
