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5 Ways to Get Support During the Most Difficult Time in Your Life

No matter how put together your life may appear at times, life's circumstances have a way of changing faces, and sometimes it's at the expense of our mental health and well-being. Most people will experience depression at least one time in their life while others will suffer from it chronically. The most destructive mistake that we often make while trying to maneuver through a hard time is to just ignore the nature of our thoughts and emotions and attempt to move along as normal. While it may be difficult to admit that you don't have life under control, you must understand that what you are going through is completely natural and there is nothing to be ashamed of. The road to trying to get your life back on track can be quite rocky so you will need others around you who will wish you well on your journey. Here are 5 ways to gain support while getting through the most difficult time of your life.

  1. Reach Out To A Loved One

Just because your friends and family have yet to reach out to you, doesn't mean that they don't care about you. With such demanding lifestyles, it can be easy to miss signs of depression or not realize that someone you love may be in need of your help. Don't internalize this or feel neglected, instead, you should try contacting someone who you feel comfortable discussing your current state with. Even if you aren't ready to discuss the details of your life, simply being in the presence of someone you love and talking through your emotions can immensely lighten the load. Be sure to only call on those who will be committed to understanding you and lack judgment. Try not to internalize any comments that may not be what you want to hear. Your true friends and family want what's best for you even when you are going through the not so pretty phases in life.

  1. Join A Support Group

Healing often comes in numbers. Surrounding yourself with others who are trying to overcome a similar bump in the road may give you the strength you need to make a change. There are many support groups that are specific for those battling with depression, bipolar disorder, divorce, and just about everything under the sun. Opting to join a support group will expose you to other individuals who can closely relate to you and share their journey with you as well. You can utilize others as inspiration and understand that you are not alone. Support groups meet in confidential settings and are free of judgment and harsh criticism so that you are able to freely express yourself.

  1. Phone A Helpline or Join An Online Forum

At times it may cause a bit of discomfort to advise your friends and family of your difficult time, and you may not be ready to face anyone at eye level and this is okay.

If you are looking to connect with someone who can assist you on a more discreet level, you can try phoning a helpline. There are loads of services operated over the telephone that will directly connect you with a counselor who will not only lend a sympathetic ear but will also offer you strength and words of wisdom as well as support in your time of need. There are also many online forums that are dedicated to providing you with the same encouragement. These online platforms allow people across the world to share their experiences and others are granted the ability to provide tools to help them along the way. You will gain access to motivational stories and uplifting conversations that will give you hope during such a tough time.

  1. Find A Change Of Scenery

Sometimes your negative thoughts and feelings are attached to your physical environment. The key to healing may just be a simple change of scenery. Even if you aren't in the most comfortable position to get up and relocate, try frequently visiting other areas. Get up a little earlier in the morning and drive a different route to work, visit a new coffee shop, hang out at an unfamiliar park, or even shop at a grocery store that you have never been to. Exposing your self to new settings will widen the scope that you have on life. You will realize that the world is bigger than what you have been limiting yourself to and you will naturally gain a more defined peace of mind. Not to mention, new places will introduce you to new people and new people will bring about new energy. Chatting with a stranger in passing may be what you need to cheer you up a bit.

  1. Seek Therapy

Whether you are experiencing a mild case of the blues or can barely get out of bed in the morning, you should always consider visiting a therapist. A licensed professional is often the key to getting your life back on track because they have witnessed others with your mental state several times before and can easily access your situation and provide you with the tools needed for the betterment of your life. While undergoing therapy, you will attain long-term methods that will allow you to better manage stress and anxiety so that depression does not dictate your life. Key stressors and unhealthy attachments that you may have overlooked will be brought to your attention in a sympathetic manner. You will not be coerced into sharing anything until you are ready to, but the created space will be one that allows you to communicate without fearing unreasonable criticism. Also, if you are in a major depressive state, a psychologist is able to prescribe the necessary medication that is needed to help you sustain.

You should never allow yourself to take on life's battles alone. No matter where you are in life, it is never too late to reach out for additional support. Neglecting your mental health can lead to detrimental circumstances. If you feel that your conditions or worsening, get help in a prompt manner. Contact Brisbanes best Psychologist immediately to address matters hands-on and begin your road to optimal healing.