The Power of Open Talk
Unlock yourself through open conversations
Having issues related to mental peace can make a person feel terrified and lonely. People who are going through mental health issues of various kinds usually feel that they are alone going through the condition and no one understands them. They often think that their symptoms are not treatable and as a result, they lose hope of feeling ‘normal’ ever again.
The world is advancing and people’s understanding with it. Having an open talk about issues related to mental health is a crucial step in the process of healing. Many famous personalities have started voicing their personal struggles, starting a wave of open talk within the society. Demonstrating their courage, they have inspired and motivated others to open up. The power of open talk is evident when one person’s speaking up motivates at least one more person to talk openly.
One can find it scary to open about mental health, especially if they have been tackling it for a long time. But having an open talk will allow the near and dear ones to extend their support and help in overcoming the issues. This offers liberation from the fear of someone finding out about the struggles and finally gives way to the process of healing.
STRESS
SELF DOUBT
ANXIETY
PANIC
ANGER
DEPRESSION
How to initiate the conversation
If you want to share your struggles with mental health issues with someone you trust but are daunted by
how to initiate the conversation, here are few pointers:
Let them know the topic of the conversation beforehand:
By letting the person know about what the conversation is going to be about, the chances of them taking it seriously are more likely. Start the conversation with ‘I have been having a tough time lately and wanted to share with you..’ This way the person knows something has been bothering you and they are more attentive and serious about the whole situation
Make notes:
It might help if you write out a few pointers of what you wish to say before time. Preparing beforehand will reduce the stress of having the actual conversation and writing it down will help you cover every aspect of your issues. You need not read it out to the word, but summarize it in a simple way to express exactly how you have been feeling.
Give references & use examples:
It will become easier for the person to understand you better if you share some instances and give them examples of situations that trigger your issues. This way, the person will be in a better position to understand and devise a plan to help & support you.
Express how you wish them to help:
You are conversing with this person because you trust them. Let them know how you want them to help you and which are the ways to make you feel supported.
What to do if someone wants to
talk to you about their struggles?
Wondering what to do if someone wants to talk to you about their struggles with mental health issues?
Here are few tips:
Listen:
When someone is expressing how they feel and what they have been dealing with, listen carefully without interrupting them. Pay attention to what they have to say and do not make assumptions or jump to conclusions.
Understand them:
When someone is trying to talk openly with you about their issues believe them. Try to be understanding about how much courage that person must have built before opening up and also remember they might need to reach out to you again over time. Your reaction to them, dismissal or acceptance, will make an impact on how they deal with this and how they seek help in future.
Treat them as usual:
The biggest concern for someone trying to open up about such issues is that they feel they will be treated differently. Remember they are the same person you knew before - they just have some extra struggles they are finally talking about.
Ask how you can help:
When someone opens up with you, it can seem difficult to ask the right questions or say appropriate things, but remember that they choose to talk to you for a reason. They might have a perfect thing in mind that you could help them with, don’t hesitate to ask. Sometimes they might not know how you can help but they will appreciate it when you ask.
You might need to tell somebody:
Always remember that the person has opened up with you in confidence and they trust you can help. Be conscious with disclosing any of the conversation with someone else, do not tread it lightly. However, if the person has opened up to you about having suicidal thoughts, it’s imperative that you involve someone who can help save their lives.
Share your struggles & feel the difference
The harsh reality is that many people remain silent about their mental health issues. Opening up about mental health issues gives real power over the situation and is also the most effective way of fighting the stigma around it. The more individuals who share their struggles, the more others will understand what these issues are truly like, and the more acceptance it will create.