Bulletin Board Post

Feelings

Told To Cope

<div class="ExternalClass6AAB4AE88C6148FAB9A8E6341D9A5E32">I just don't know what I want to do anymore I'm too embarrassed to talk about these thoughts on my depression and anxiety and I just feel lost. When I asked my mom if I could start seeing my old shrink she said Why would I even ask that I can't see her forever so I need to learn how to cope and deal with my problems... If I get told to 'cope' much longer I don't know if I'll be around that long anymore. </div>

<div class="ExternalClassD4D5655988934D7A997898257FE411ED"><div><div class="ExternalClass6AAB4AE88C6148FAB9A8E6341D9A5E32">It can definitely be difficult to talk about mental health issues, especially if you haven’t gotten a lot of support when you’ve asked for help before. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about, though. Lots of people struggle with anxiety and depression, and these are definitely issues that can get better with the right help. Right now, you are frustrated with people telling you just to “learn to cope” with the problems you are facing. And that frustration makes sense. If you knew how to cope and it was easy to do, then you’d be doing it, right?! But your mom is on to something. Part of growing up is learning how to cope with life and get through the difficult times. The thing is, we all need help to do that, though. We need help in learning ways to cope, we need help in actually carrying out those coping strategies when we need them, and we simply need support when life is just too overwhelming for us to cope in the ways that we usually do. In addition, some problems in life can actually be fixed, so it makes sense to get help in fixing the problem rather than just continuing to cope with it. Asking for help is never a bad thing. Your mom may not understand how a mental health professional could help you at this point, but maybe you could explain a little. Let her know that you would like to be able to cope with life at some point, but that you want some help in learning how to do that. Make sure she knows that some issues might have a cause other than simply difficult life circumstances. Things like depression and anxiety can definitely have a biological component that can be treated. Perhaps if you help your mom to understand why you want help and what a mental health professional could do for you, then she’d be more open to letting you see someone again. Regardless of what happens with your mom, please know that “not being around” isn’t an answer. Ending your life doesn’t solve anything. It just prevents things from having the chance to get better. Keep asking for help and keep reaching out for support, especially if you are feeling suicidal. There are people who care and want to see you feel better! Jen, Crisis Counselor </div></div> </div>

You don't have to face your problems alone!

Counselors are standing by.

Ways to Get Help