breaking the barrier of talking

Hi thank you for sharing that's very brave of you and it can often help to talk about it. I am sure there will be some others on here that can relate. I know seeking professional help can be daunting, but it can also be a very positive experience. Thanks again for your courageous post 🙂

moderator Jazz

Hi, @dee7

You asked,

"...how can i learn to talk about it? "

and the good news is - you just did.

Reaching out and sharing your story at places like this, and with others who have been in similar predicaments can be a great first step.

Though, in your case, it's more like a good second step, because it sounds like your first step was to take notice of your feelings, acknowledge them, and care enough about your wellbeing to want to learn more and to manage. So you engaged online resources to get a gauge on things... Good on you for that!

Believe it or not, Dee, it sounds like you're very much on the right path already to looking after yourself.

With that said, we do sometimes need help and support. And finding the right kind for our particular needs can be a long process in itself. I'd like to share a little of my experience with you, if I might..?

I am coming through some icky stuff at the moment that has left me quite overwhelmed with ptsd, anxiety, and depression. Truth be told, being a naturally sensitive and empathic person, I've always had a degree of anxiety bubbling within. Though it wasn't until life hit crisis point for me that I was no longer able to hold it all down - at which point I gave up the pretense (maybe thru sheer exhaustion) and was finally able to say outloud to someone: "I'm not ok..."

At that precise moment, life changed again. A new oddysey that has become my own healing journey. It's not been easy and I've far, yet, to go... but without asking for and receiving help along the way, I doubt I'd be here talking to you now...

Along with forums like these, and connecting with others here, you might consider having a chat with your gp? You may not feel like talking, but you can just show them the post you've shared here, if you'd rather.. I've done that before, a few times. It can be easier that way...

From there your gp can get you started on a mental health plan that can result in getting you connected with other supports, like counsellors, psychologists, what have you.

Just some food for thought...

All the best. And stay in touch, OK. 🙏

@Kyle1 thanks for your perspective. I forget that trying to get better even if it's online course/on my own is a good thing. I see it as bring stubborn and being too afraid of judgment from people. Sharing on here is one step further than just journaling about it.

Talking to a gp about it isn't something i've really considered. I dont have a consistent gp and i feel like such a fraud that I feel this way. Showing them this post could be something I could do, I've just got to convince myself its worth the anxiety and all the feelings

thank you for sharing your story. sorry to hear that it's been icky lately for you. Being an empathic person is tiring, but I can see that you have a light shining within you. You're really good at communicating. I am glad you were able to reach out and get help

you can do this @dee7 ✌️

Hi @dee7 , I have found close friends and family to be good discussion partners as well as friendly GPs and psychologists. I feel that discussing mental health challenges with work colleagues is risky.

People you are genuinely close to will not be judgemental. We are social creatures and supporting each other is a necessary part of our society.

It’s great that you’ve identified that masking your true feelings is becoming a burden. You can start to take some early steps now to process how you feel and figure out a sustainable way forwards.