Stay Stuck Or Reach Out?
Feeling down, stressed out, or anxious from time to time is a normal part of life. And when these emotions take hold and don’t go away, it may be time to reach out for help. If you’re affected in how you think, feel, and function with basic daily tasks, your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and enjoy life – it can be overwhelming to just get through the day.
Knowing when to reach out for help if you feel distressed or vulnerable takes a certain level of courage and accountability. Closing yourself off to others only increases feelings of isolation and raises the likelihood that your inner critic, self-judgment, and irrational thoughts will grow louder. Even if you honestly believe you can get through this on your own, you are making it much more difficult on yourself than it needs to be.
Have you been exceptionally sad, worried, irritable, withdrawn, or just “not yourself”? Are you concerned about a pattern of unhealthy behaviors like drug or alcohol abuse, unhealthy eating, self-harm, sleeping most of the day or making excuses to not go to work, school or take part in activities?
It's easy to get stuck in a rut. Change doesn't happen on its own, it comes from within you.
RECOGNIZE AND REMEMBER…
You are not alone – if friends/family don’t feel safe, there are professionals who can help
Isolating yourself often leads to developing unhealthy coping habits
GETTING UNSTUCK
Start with small changes: healthy eating & sleep habits, hygiene, decluttering your environment.
Change your perspective; open yourself up to new people and ideas. Get up and move, get outside, alter your routine.
Try to let go of unhealthy aspects of your life: self-judgement, old beliefs, toxic people, inner critic.
If you have a tendency to focus on the negative or dwell on the past, seek someone or something that provides inspiration, or a positive outlook. Being hopeful or positive takes practice.
Ask yourself, “What would make me feel better?” If your automatic response is, “I don’t know,” think about it more. It doesn’t have to be the perfect answer… just a beginning of an answer.
Remind yourself what is within your control. You’re not powerless in all areas of your life.
Talk to someone who cares about you, who is supportive, and who feels emotionally safe. Talking is a release that helps ease the weight of keeping whatever is bothering you, inside.
Let your support system know what you need. They can’t guess, so help them out. Give concrete suggestions like, “I’d appreciate if you would check in on me every couple days,” or, “It’s helpful when you choose what we’re going to have for dinner.”
Offer support back - return the favor. It’s a good reminder that you are not alone. Get outside your internal spiral. It makes it easier to accept support in return.