We all need to take care of our mental health. We do. All of us. So you really shouldn’t be afraid to talk about your mental health, but so many of us are.
Just like we take care of our physical health, mental health is equally important. But somehow, it is still easier to tell our friends, family and our boss, that we have broken our arm, than to tell them we suffer from depression.
In another blogpost I give 11 reasons why it is so hard for people to talk about their mental health. But in this post, I will tell you all the reasons that you should not listen to those fears, and speak up about your issues to people you trust and get help if that is what you want and need.
Reasons why you shouldn’t be afraid to talk about your mental health
You are the most important person in your life
The first reason why you shoudn’t be afraid to talk about your mental health is because all that matters for you, is you. You are the most important person in your life.
Don’t believe me? It is true. If you don’t take care of yourself, how will you be able to take care of others? We often feel that we can’t get help, it is hard to take that time for yourself.
There are so much responsibilities in life. I understand that. But the biggest responsibility in this life that you have, is to take the best care of your mind and body.
Mental health issues are very common
Yes, you read that right. Trust me when I say that more people than you think struggle with their mental health.
Your friends, co-workers, yes even your boss, they all have their own challenges and struggles in this life.
From stress to being burnt out, to suffering from depression or other mental health issues, it affects a lot of people. Know you are not alone.
More understanding for your situation
Do you cancel your plans a lot with your friends and family? Are you more quiet around people? Are you having difficulties with taking care of yourself?
Ask for help. I am not saying you need to tell the whole word (only if you want to), but tell the people in your life that you trust. Let them know you are not cancelling your plans with them because you don’t like them anymore, but explain your situation.
If they truly care for you, they will do everything they can to understand and help you where they can. And it will feel so much better for you, when you know your loved ones are understanding of your situation.
But, in order for getting that understanding and help… you need to speak up.
Talking about your mental health issues is a sign of strength, not weakness
When you hear someone talk about the struggles they went through in their life, what do you think about that? Do you think “what a loser and weak person for talking about this”, or do you think “talking about this is so brave of this person, I wish I could too”.
You, me, we all know how difficult it is to open up. It is scary as hell. When I started my first blog I wrote a lot about my life, and that was super personal, scary, vulnerable. But also, HEALING.
To acknowledge that you have issues, that you need help or that you already are getting help, that is incredibly brave. If you speak about your mental health issues openly, it also shows others that are still afraid, how it can be a good thing.
By being true to yourself, only than you can heal.
It’s OKAY to not be OKAY
Are you afraid people will judge you?
Do you have a certain image you want to keep and are you afraid you will lose it if you open up?
Are you afraid people will think less of you?
Are you scared to admit to yourself and others that you struggle with your mental health?
IT’S OKAY!
Really. IT. IS. OKAY.
I am here to tell you. It is OKAY. Yes, some people might judge you. Close minded people that is. Who cares about those people? Hell nah, you shouldn’t give a damn about them.
Image? You are not telling me that your IMAGE is more important than your LIFE, are you? And YES, it is so scary to admit to yourself that you struggle. That life has thrown these difficulties at you and your path, and that you can’t do it alone.
It is okay to feel all these feelings. Cry, be angry. It’s all good. Life is hard, messy and unfair. And for some people it’s a little more harder, messier, and more unfair. It’s life.
But that it get’s messy. Doesn’t mean you can’t go clean it up.
I know that not all mental health issues are “fixable”. And I am in no way a specialist and I am not here trying to tell you that I know it all. I don’t. I can only can speak from experience, as someone who struggles with mental health herself.
Dealing with anxiety, depression, and an eating disorder amongst others things, I understand how it feels. And I tell you today. It is okay.
Don’t be afraid to talk about your mental health. Choose you.
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*This post contains only my opinion and personal experience, please read the disclaimer for more information.
