Few Tips/Advice on how to Get Help
A friend of mine suggested these top 10 |
| 1. talk to a professional, find out what is really going on, even if
it's only through a help line... |
| 2. read as much as you can find about what is going on, find out what
you can do to help yourself and maybe even find solace in knowing you are
not alone |
| 3. communicate to those you love what is going on, it's not always easy
to do, but support from those who matter most makes the battle that much
easier |
| 4. don't EVER let anyone make you feel ashamed of what is going on,
mental illness is not something we can control, it's like having diabetes
or cancer, you are not lesser of a person because you have it...even if
you can't always make yourself believe it |
| 5. find something to put your faith in, whether it's organized religion
like christianity or something on the fringe like taoism, whether it's
painting, drawing, writing, whatever, find something you can be passionate
about and turn to that whenever you need to recharge, regroup, or just
need a reminder that you are still alive for a reason |
| 6. don't give in to your fears of seeking psychiatric help, these people
can help you, they can make the road easier, likewise, if you do see someone
and they suggest drug therapy, don't toss it aside, it's one of the hardest
parts of mental illness to accept, but medications in most cases make living
possible again, in some cases, they aren't even necessary, you won't know
'til you ask |
| 7. find people to talk to, support groups sound cheesy at first, but
they just might save your life, there are a plethora of groups online to
assist you if you do not have access to or are afraid of going to one that
meets in person, talking to others who are going through it too is probably
the best therapy there is...that's how apes and i met... |
| 8. you are still alive, embrace that, no matter what, don't lose sight
of that fact, even if you don't always believe it, it is a good thing |
| 9. laughter and hugs...one of the most vital parts of my own recovery
is laughter and hugs therapy, it's hard to feel pain when you are laughing
so surrounding yourself with jokes and comedies and the funny part of life
can make a real difference, and nothing can melt a freezing heart like
a warm embrace, even when it's sent over the phone lines |
| 10. saying "i need help" or "i'm scared" does not mean swallowing your
pride, it just means you are admitting reality...it's okay to ask for help,
to be afraid and alone and not know what to do, it's only in seeking that
you will find the answers |
MindTrap's addition to that wonderful list |
| 1. if you can confide in a trusted friend about what's going on....
and if they go to parents or guidance counselors maybe it is for the best,
after all it is the right thing for them to do.... thank them for it even
if you feel like ripping their throat out and that they betrayed you because
they didn't |
| 2. if you find yourself wanting to hurt yourself or anything find
something else to do.... something constructive or maybe not... like coloring
or drawing or even taking a nap sometimes helps.... do anything that will
distract you from harming yourself... |
| 3. don't be afraid to cry or be scared.... easier said than done
i know... but sometimes if you give into the urge to cry you'll end up
feeling better.... cant hurt right? |
| 4. try not to let other peoples thoughts and opinions intimidate
you..... its extremely hard to do... but sometimes if you remove that intimidation
things become easier..... because you gain some control back... |
| 5. never doubt the power of relaxation.... if you can take the
time..... breathe calm down, relax... you can see clearly again for the
most part.... do whatever you need to to relax, take a walk, listen to
music, go sit in a favorite spot, look up at the clouds.... anything you
can think of to do to just relax |
| 6. find something that makes you feel safe... like a security
blanket type idea... don't be afraid that your too old to do something
like sleep with a stuffed animal... because that's just a societal stereotype
and has nothing to do with anything |
| 7. as much as i hate to admit it.... seeking professional help
is the best thing to do.... and try to listen to what they tell you....
as toad said don't give into your fears of psychiatrists and/or psychologists...
they really are there to help |
| 8. don't ignore the problem..... seek a way to do something about
it.... don't say oh it'll go away... especially if its gotten bad or is
a recurring thing.... distraction is temporary... but seeking help is the
best way to go |
| 9. i think im sounding redundant..... but letting someone love
you and accepting that and not questioning it is a good way to start healing.... |
| 10. allow yourself to be there for others.... reaching out to
someone in the same boat as you and knowing that you understand them and
they you... that really feels good because you don't feel so alone and
helping someone else helps you.... you may actually start listening to
your own advice.... scary isn't it? |
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