Short messages on Mental health, stress and anxiety issues from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
Talking to someone about how you’re feeling can help you sort through your feelings, put things in perspective, and release tension. The person you speak with might also suggest options that you had not thought about before.
Everyone goes through tough times, and no matter how long you’ve had something on your mind – whether for just a few hours or months – it’s important that you talk to someone about it. You don’t have to confront your setbacks alone.
Insecurities, physical and mental health, and external forces such as cash flow can threaten your ability to focus and become the best version of yourself.
Name specific ways that you can work to grow. Do you have access to professional help? Can you take courses or get training to make your strengths stand out and overcome your weaknesses?
Take each challenge as a signal that you are working toward something worthwhile. Use setbacks as a chance to hone your skills rather than seeing them as a sign that you are no good. Decide to do this ahead of time – don’t waver no matter how you’re feeling.
Negative thinking allows us the “luxury” of not expecting too much from ourselves and others. If we always expect to be let down by others, we spare ourselves the pain of being let down. But, it keeps you from the joy that comes with personal growth.
While you can’t emotionally detach yourself from the experience of life changes, you can try to take a step back and look at things from a distance. Try writing down exactly what has changed and how it has impacted you.
Some changes will be a challenge. If you can move past your resistance and embrace change as a new adventure, you may end up happier and better off as a result.
Look at your life outside the realm of your current circumstances. See yourself 40 years in your future, and 30 years in your past. We all have very real problems and situations to deal with; some are in our control while others are not.
Gaining perspective in your life is an important exercise that you must purposefully develop. By experiencing other peoples’ perspectives, speaking with older relatives and volunteering, you can start to get a more rounded view of the world in which you live.