In todays world which for many can be seen as hectic, fast paced, stressful or at least busy with many elements to juggle we can often find it difficult to make space to talk about our problems or issues.
This is without even considering the other factors that may prevent people speaking such as any stigma, embarrassment or similar.
However not sharing our problems can have extremely serious consequences which we will go over shortly but that can greatly affect us emotionally, mentally and physically.
Also below can be found a list of emergency numbers for support services in both the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
The Benefits of talking:
Gaining perspective – By speaking about our issues with others we can gain a new view from others which helps us to Annalise the situation more openly and objectively, helping to un-muddle our thoughts and feelings helping us to see the situation clearer.
Emotional release - Speaking about our issues can help us separate the emotional side from the fact. This helps us to vent and air our emotions encouraging a sense of release and relief, reducing the feeling of weight from our minds and shoulders.
Reducing Stress – Sharing issues and concerns with those we can trust or professionals can offer great psychological comfort and reassurance helping us to reduce stress levels and anxiousness.
Strengthening relationships – Talking about our problems can help to strengthen our relationships and bonds with friends, family members, work colleagues and professionals as they can understand us further and on a deeper level.
Problem Solving – Discussing our problems can help us to collaborate with others and to explore ideas, plans and to gain constructive solutions that we may have not come to while considering options on our own.
Motivating factors – Gaining support and speaking about our concerns can greatly save those things that are important to us and seen as motivating factors such as Time, Money and Health. These areas can greatly be affected when we don’t approach our issues as we can waste time worrying about them or trying to resolve them, Time is often Money so we may not work as efficiently due to stress, reducing the amount of time that we can earn money and improve our finances or spending unnecessary funds on trying to struggle through or quick fixes all of which can go on to harm our health.
Why some may Be Reluctant:
Judgment – Often people fear being judged by others, this can greatly discourage individuals speaking about their concerns and worries perhaps even more so within areas of working environments or sport where speaking up may be thought of a weakness rather than the strength it is.
Stigma – Over the years there has been great stigma around discussing issues regarding mental health or asking for help and support. Especially in the past many people have felt that opportunities would be kept from them if they were to open up about their struggles, importantly within work place settings. This has also included a fear of even speaking with their GP where information from medical records could be shared with employers.
Education – Some people are not aware of the benefits of how speaking over issues can help them, what support is available or how that support may be provided. Fear of the unknown can stop those who need help asking for it.
Trust – Negative past experiences can prevent individuals seeking support, past breaches of confidentiality or negative reactions from others can encourage people to be hesitant and reluctant from talking again. This can include a feeling of not being listened to, taken seriously or a perceived lack of interest from the person spoken too or where professionals have not completed the tasks agreed too such as referrals on or follow up appointments.
Getting on with it – Many people feel that they have to just get on with it, have been brought up or led to believe that strength is shown by managing alone , being self-reliant and can have been encouraged by peers to “Man up”, pull their socks up, Suck it up, pull themselves together and get on with it. All comments that are greatly unhelpful and can wrongly encourage an individual in a way that can cause huge damage and harm.
Emergency Contacts for Support Services
USA:
1. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
2. Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741
3. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
5. National Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, Press 1
UK:
1. Samaritans: 116 123
2. Shout Mental Health Crisis Text line: Text SHOUT to 85258
3. National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
4. Alcoholics Anonymous: 0800 9177 650
5. Childline: 0800 1111
If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis please reach out to the provided emergency numbers not forgetting that you can also contact your GP service, local hospital or police service.
Discussing problems is a hugely important way to help emotional well-being and mental health, providing a platform for finding solutions to issues, reducing stress and saving things that affect us further as in Time, Relationships, Finances and positive opportunities.
Understanding why some may be reluctant to speak and seek help can help us to communicate better and encourage them to gain the support needed.
A problem is not often just halved when shared, it can be solved