Mental health struggles are very difficult, folks, I don’t think that is a secret. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of stigma surrounding mental health, but I want to help change that. One way to do so is by talking about mental health issues and the challenges people with mental health disorders may face.
While there are many challenges when it comes to mental health conditions, today I want to cover support–or specifically, what you can do if you simply don’t have support from family and friends when it comes to your mental health disorder.
Acknowledge what is happening
You will need to accept that not everyone in your life will understand what you are going through. This may not even have much to do with you personally; it could be a subconscious behavior if they grew up hearing false ideas such as mental illness is a sign of weakness or must be hidden. Once you acknowledge that this person or people aren’t going to support you, it will be a bit easier to move forward.
Be in your own corner
Ultimately, you are your greatest source of support. Practice treating yourself with kindness. Be positive in your mind. If you are negative with yourself, your symptoms will only get worse. If you find your mind repeatedly combing over negative thoughts, try to find ways to change those thoughts and that default mindset. Break the pattern by reframing your thoughts. If, for example, you find yourself thinking you hate yourself, try reminding yourself that you have a mental health issue and need to show yourself the same compassion you’d show someone else in the same position.
Look for more support sources
If you find that your family and friends just can’t provide the support you need, look for other people who can. There are, for example, often support groups for those with mental health conditions, and there may be one in your area for your specific illness. It can be tough to open up to people you don’t know at first, but you may discover that people who are going through a struggle similar to yours are wonderful friends to have.
Managing a mental health condition isn’t easy, and it can be made more difficult when you don’t have enough support. Always keep in mind that you should reach out for help whenever you need it.
