We all need to talk sometimes. Recently I knew things were getting on top of me. As did people around me. There’s a post on here about it on here from back in December. I was stressed, frustrated and had anger bubbling away below the surface. I had no idea why I was feeling this way and acting how I was. It was time to chat to someone professionally about stuff. I needed to find a therapist.
Meds & The Outdoors
I’ve been on depression meds for a while. I never thought I was depressed by they certainly took the edge off things. I’d also made a YouTube video about how photography and the outdoors has helped my mental health. When we entered the New Year I felt weight on my shoulders and it got to a point at home where I needed to do more than this.
No Shame
The stigma associated with mental health is slowly being broken down. It’s still there though and as ‘men’ I think we bottle stuff up. It was part of this bottling stuff up which wasn’t helping. Eventually there is no more room in the bottle and it sprays everywhere, causing a right mess. There is no shame in seeking help. It’s one of the strongest things you can do and I think that first step of contacting someone who could potentially help was the hardest but also the best. Once you’ve accepted that something is going and you need help, you’re suddenly on the right path. I’d reached out. We all need a little help sometimes and if you need to find a therapist to help, please do. Life is hard to work through by yourself.
Breakthrough
After that initial half hour meeting to get to know each other a bit and see if it would work, which was free, I booked a session for the following week. I’d found someone who could definitely help as within the first half of the hour long session, breakthrough happened. It was just a few words that made sense. I understood things clearer. The clouds had been pushed away and there was a path in front of me which I understood. Stuff in my past I needs to letting go of. Some relationships need to be worked on. Even after one session I felt so much better. I’m going to continue going but I’m pleased to report that things are better in life, at home and in my head!
Moving Forward
The journey is life is ever changing and I have no doubt I will walk into walls I need help to get over, under or through in the future. At the moment I’m pleased to be smiling most days, to be less stressed in day to day life and to be working on strategies where I can manage any frustration without impacting the people around me. It’s amazing what speaking to a third party, someone out of your immediate life, can achieve. Just how much they can uncover and unearth and help you realise and work through.
Please Speak Up
If you are struggling, please speak up and speak to someone. Feel no shame as there is none. You are stronger to speak up and find help. There are many different counselors with different ways of helping. Find a therapist that works for you. It could be one session that helps or a year long journey to battle through. You’ll feel better from that first phone call or email though, I promise you. Please drop me a message on Twitter or Instagram should you feel the need to speak to someone but have no one to turn to.
