To Anyone Who Feels Like They Have to Bear it Alone

Let's talk about mental health.

From the smallest, slightly unsettling feelings to the most gripping of anxieties and delusions, the emotional and spiritual well-being of a person can go wrong in MANY ways. Maybe you've woken up one morning and looked down at a body part of yours and instantly went, "That doesn't look right and I want it to look right, NOW." Or maybe you've come home after a frustrating day at work and not recognized yourself in the mirror.

All of these things become incredibly scary, especially when you don't talk about them. And frankly, most people aren't good at opening the conversation.

First thing's first, you are not alone.

There are many people on this Earth, more than you can truly process. Someone, somewhere is experiencing something similar. Whatever your experience is. The human mind in its vast potential for randomness is actually somewhat predictable.

That being said, the people around you might not necessarily understand what is going on.

The people in your life that care about you, however, should want to help you in any way that they can.

So, if you feel comfortable doing so, it might be of some help to just, talk about it.

But, how do I start that conversation?

Before even thinking about letting someone know what's on your mind, ask them two questions:

1. Are you in a stable enough mental place to hear about someone else's mental health right now?
2. Would it be alright if I ranted/cried/cuddled/asked questions with you for a while?

Ask for what you need, specifically, and make sure you give the person the chance to say, "No, not now." They should choose to be a part of that conversation. That way there are no negative impacts on them or you about opening that conversation.

How to Get the Most Out of These Conversations

As I have said before, you are not alone, and likely whoever you are talking to you has some experience in that department. So listen to the advice they give you, if that's what you've asked them to do. Don't follow it blindly, but make sure you receive and fully process what someone is telling you before deciding whether or not that advice is good or bad. If you've trusted them enough to talk about it, take their viewpoint into consideration.

And if they tell you to seek professional help, trust them on that and do it. You will be better soon.

Remember to breathe, focus on becoming a better person, and above all else remember that the pain will pass.

Thank you for your time :)

• National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
• SAMHSA National Helpline (substance abuse): 800-662-4357
• National Domestic Violence Hotline (Gender Inclusive): 1-800-799-7233