talking helps, better out than in
Sharing how you feel with another human-being usually helps to improve how you feel, whether that be a friend, family member or a buddy you found on the internet. Better out than in, as the saying goes. And it's true in many respects
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So what's the problem with bottling things up? Well, it leads to avoidable feelings of anxiety as it denies us the empathy of others, leads to feelings of isolation and otherness & also means we miss out on possibly helpful insights from others
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Read on to find hints & tips about how to improve your anxiety through the power of conversation
talking helps
In other articles in our help pages, we talked about 'cognitive distortions'. In effect, how we challenge our own negative patterns of thinking & along the way tackle the negative thinking at the root of our anxiety. Talking offers something different.
In & of itself, talking won't tackle the root of a person's anxiety, but it will dampen the effects - read on to learn more
So then, what's so special about
talking?
The simple act of talking to someone else, even if it just involves describing how we're feeling and nothing else, reduces feelings of anxiety by:
Letting us hear words of empathy & encouragement
Offers us the insights of others, most of us have a blindspot when it comes to ourselves
Helps us feel less isolated, more belonging & also reduces feelings of otherness
The power of talking to others about how we are feeling & its ability to dampen feelings of anxiety shouldn't be underestimated. If you're not yet convinced I've a bit of a bombshell for you. Scientific studies have shown that a person who regularly spends time with others has as much impact on our health as, for example, whether you are a smoker. No matter how much you look after your physical health, if you're not also investing in your mental wellness, then your physical health will suffer. A holistic approach to life is key
Okay, you've convinced me, so what
now
friends &
family
Speak to friends, family or trusted people in your life
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This is typically the best option for most people, but of course depends on the quality of your relationships with friends, family & trusted people in your life
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You'll want to find a safe space where you feel able to talk freely & openly. Talking about how you feel can be difficult for many - for hints & tips about how best to talk about how you feel, check out the below link to external resources
asking a professional
If you don't feel able to speak to friends, family or a new buddy on the internet, a trained professional might be a good fit
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If you'd prefer to talk to a professional about how you're feeling, there's a few options. The first is the more traditional route of speaking to your medical doctor who will help you find the right person. The second option is to find a professional yourself, options include:
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(1) checking out the online therapy platforms now widely available, for example 'talkspace' or 'betterhelp'
(2) approach a professional directly, you can do this online or by checking out the professional bodies who oversee this area
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If you're still feeling unsure, check out the link below for more advice
But, please remember
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Everyone is different. It's hard to generalise about these things as there are 101 different reasons about why you might be feeling the way you do.
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If you feel that you are not able to manage your feelings of anxiety on your own, please don't suffer in silence. Help is available. Please seek the help of a suitably qualified medical practitioner.