NEWS

Let’s talk about feelings…

Published: 10th October 2019 | Author: Kate Howes

 

It’s world mental health day today and so we thought that’d be a good chance to talk about feelings.

We all have them. They can be great, joyous wonderful things but they can also be scary, isolating and worrying too.

Struggling with the bad feelings on your own can be lonely and debilitating and only make them much worse. All you need is one person who will listen to you, it can make such a difference. To feel heard and considered and to be able to vocalise these feelings is the first step to helping yourself.

Even if you talk for a living, are a champion chatter, have a massive group of friends or a close-knit loving family unit, finding that one person who will listen and I mean REALLY listen can be tricky. Sometimes it’s good to talk to a stranger or a professional counsellor or therapist instead. There’s no shame in it…everybody should have a sounding board for their feelings and it’s so important for the health of your mind that you can share and process the feelings that pop up in your head.

So, if you’re struggling with your feelings and don’t feel you have anybody to talk to then take that step and reach out. It will help. Here are some ways you can connect with people who will listen:

• Find a good counsellor or therapist – it can be much more affordable than you think, and whilst not an option for everybody if the idea of visiting your GP and being put on a waiting list feels like it’s not for you then this is a great alternative. Start by looking up Counsellors near you on the British Association of Counselling Professionals here https://www.bacp.co.uk/
• Just blurt out your feelings to friends and family…it’s good to share and even if they can’t listen to you fully then they might be able to offer suggestions to help you
• Visit your GP – although it is worth remembering that GPs are not all mental health specialists, they should be able to point you in the right direction
• Contact one of the many amazing charitable organisations who have helplines, online and text chat options available such as SHOUT, Samaritans, CALM or The Mix (see photo for details)