The Importance of Mental Heath: When to Ask For Help
Mental health is a topic that is becoming a bit more commonly discussed, however, awareness doesn’t always equal aptitude. Although mental health discussions are less stigmatized, a lot of people still don’t know what to do next when they notice signs of declining mental health in themselves or others. When it comes to young women’s mental health, sometimes it feels hard to verbalize difficult feelings when you’re used to spending a lot of time caring for those around you. Today we’ll discuss some signs that it might be time to ask for help and share a few great ways to seek support if you or someone you love is not feeling their best mentally.
While everyone experiences bad days and even prolonged stressful situations, there is still a difference between experiencing bad moments and declining mental health. Although they sometimes coincide, it’s not always the case. Here are a few examples of symptoms you may notice:
Sleep changes
Recurring feelings of sadness
Loss of interest in socializing or hobbies
Panic and anxiety
Thoughts of self-harm or suicidal thoughts
Unexplained aches and pains
Although this list is not exhaustive, it highlights several of the big warning signs that your mental health is not at its best. Asking for help is a brave decision even when it doesn’t feel easy. Let’s get into a few ways that you, as a young woman, can seek support for your mental health so that you can get back to the business of living your best, most fulfilled life.
Be honest with yourself
Although it might be difficult, or even scary, it’s important to be transparent with yourself about how you’re feeling instead of diminishing it or ignoring it. It’s hard to address anything or move forward when we’re unwilling to acknowledge where we’re at. Coming to terms with where you are mentally is the first step in moving forward into a healthier and happier place.
Tell a trusted loved one
If you have a safe family member, friend, or partner, tell them how you’ve been feeling and what you’ve been noticing. Sometimes the load feels lighter just by asking someone else to walk beside you. Although our loved ones may not be professionals, they can remind you that you’re loved and hold you accountable for seeking professional help or taking the right steps to improve your mental state.
See a mental health professional
If you’re able to, seek the help of a mental health professional. If you can, reach out to someone who specializes in your personal experience. At Blossom Into A Better You, Emily is a therapist in St. Pete who specializes in providing mental health support and therapy to young adult women and girls. Read more about why we encourage you to connect with a therapist who has a specialty you relate to in our blog, What Are the Benefits of a Therapist That Specializes?
If you’re unable to access the help of a mental health professional, try seeing your primary doctor and or school counselor if possible. Support groups are also great ways to both find community and get support since many groups are run by licensed therapists or trained professionals related to the support topic.
Be kind to yourself
Self-kindness comes in many forms and leaning into all of them is a great idea when your mental health is struggling. Self-talk is an easy way to reframe your experience. Instead of speaking poorly to yourself for feeling bad or needing help, remind yourself how brave you are and how proud you would be of someone you loved if they were the ones asking for help. Set aside time to get out in the sun. If you can, be mindful of staying hydrated and not skipping meals. Although stress and mental health can affect sleep sometimes, it can still be helpful to create routines around sleep to help your brain recognize when it’s time to unwind. On days when you’re not able to get to everything you’d like to, give yourself grace and know that you’re doing the best you can for the moment you’re at.
Be open to care and support
Shame is a big reason that so many of us withdraw and find it difficult to accept care and support when we’re struggling, especially when we don’t know exactly why we’re struggling. Although depression and anxiety tend to convince us we’re better off isolated, the truth is that connection is a valuable tool for improving mental health. Try to embrace the moments when friends or loved ones check in or let you know they care. They may not have the answers, but knowing that someone is rooting for you as you navigate your own journey goes a long way in fueling connections that keep us grounded when our mental health leaves us feeling untethered.
Ultimately, despite how it may feel in our darker moments, there is help and support available and it’s important to ask for it when you become aware that you need it. If you’re looking for mental health support in St. Pete, please feel free to contact us at Blossom Into A Better You!
