There might be several members of your family that you can talk to. Some families have “family meetings” to go over problems or big decisions. Talking to an older family member can be good because they may have had a similar problem or concern in the past.
Members of a family generally look out for each other and have each other’s best interests in mind. You may sometimes feel like your family might ask you questions about your problem that you don’t want to answer, but remember that they are doing it because they care.
Sometimes when you go through a tough time, you may need someone to talk to. Talking to someone who is willing to listen really makes a difference and sometimes the best people to talk to may be your own family.
When someone is sharing a problem, give encouragement. Offer to help if possible. Show the kindness and compassion you would hope to receive from someone else when in a similar situation.
If the changes in your life are overwhelming, you don’t have to deal with them all by yourself. Friends, family, support groups, and counsellors are available, but you do have to reach out and ask, which can be hard. It may be a struggle, but you don’t have to suffer.
Getting help means you’re strong enough to admit that you can’t handle it on your own. And no-one since the dawn of time has ever handled everything in their life all on their own.
Place one hand on your upper chest and one on your stomach. Take a breath, let your stomach swell forward as you breathe in, and fall back gently as you breathe out. Get a steady rhythm, taking the same depth of breath each time. The hand on your chest should have little or no movement.
When you’re anxious or stressed, your breathing can become quick and shallow, which reduces the amount of oxygen going to your organs. Learning how to breathe deeply can help reduce some of the physiological symptoms of anxiety.
Put aside some time each day to discover which relaxation techniques work for you. They can be active (going for a walk or swim, doing a puzzle, learning yoga, play sports) or passive (having a bath, reading a book, sitting in the park, listening to music, meditating).
Many forms of relaxation, like walking or sitting quietly, are very simple, easy to do and cost nothing. Others, like yoga or meditation, require some training or discipline. Going fishing or playing sports can be a great way of relaxing too.