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One of the hardest things for some people to do is to be honest and transparent about what they have experienced, how they are feeling in the moment, and what they are going through mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally.   Keeping things to yourself is a way to keep your personal life private, however, it is also a way to never get the help and support that you may need.  It is okay to open up to people and share what you are feeling, or what you experienced, especially if those things are causing you to feel anxiety, sadness or depression.  Just be mindful of who you share your personal information with.  It is okay to open up to people you trust, people who have your best interest at heart, and people who can and will really help you overcome what you are having a difficult time with.  You do not have to go through life thinking that no one understands you, no one cares about you, and no one will listen or help you.  

 

If you do not have someone in your life that you can trust, there are a number of professionals available who make it their life mission to help people just like you.  You can talk with a professional counselor, mentor, minister, or mental health advisor who will help you transition from the mental state that you may be in currently, towards having a better outlook on life.  You do not have to go through anything alone.  There is always someone to talk to, even if it is not a family member or close friend. 

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If money is a concern for you and you cannot afford to pay for professional services, there are free resources available online; all you have to do is use a search engine to perform an internet search using the wording of whatever it is that you are or have experienced and need help with. For example, if you are experiencing anxiety because you lost your job and are concerned about being able to pay your bills, use the search engine to search for “Urgent hire jobs in (include the City and State that you want to work in)” and also, search for “How to Overcome Anxiety,” and follow the steps necessary to help you.  You can also search for “Resources for Unemployment in (include your City).”  If you are experiencing extreme sadness or depression, use the search engine to search “Overcoming Depression,” and “Resources for people dealing with sadness or depression.  If you are having a difficult time dealing with the loss of a loved one, search for "Grief Counseling.”   

 

The internet has a wealth of information applicable to almost any topic.  If you do not have personal access to the internet, visit your local library and ask to obtain a library card, so that you can use their free internet services.  You can also go to your local nonprofit agency (use an internet search engine to locate one in your area) that helps people gain access to resources needed, and the staff there should be able to direct you to the appropriate services specific to your needs.   Utilize the internet for it’s original intended purposes, for people to find information in a much faster way.

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It is okay to not be okay.  It is okay to admit when you are not okay and when you need help.  It is okay to seek the help that you need, when you need it.  Not all wounds and pains are visible on the outside, so do not assume that people know what you are experiencing and how it could be impacting you mentally, physically, emotionally, or spiritually.  Open up, so you don’t have to suffer in silence.  When you open up, Be receptive enough to listen to sound advice from trusted people who really want to help you, not hinder you or use your personal experiences to his/her advantage. 

 

Unfortunately, you cannot trust everyone with your personal information.  So, it is important to find that someone that you can trust.  It is not good for your health to harbor bad experiences, nor is it good to act as if something doesn’t bother you, when it really does bother you.  You do not have to go through whatever you’re going through alone.  Help is available, you just have to be ready to seek out the help you need and be ready to receive help.  Open up.

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By Lynnette Clement