The moment you realise you are struggling and need help can be difficult, I know, I’ve been there. It’s really important to note that it is completely okay to seek help. It’s completely okay to need help. It’s completely okay to not be okay.
In our blog post “Mental Health 101” a few weeks ago, we discussed what mental health is, what can cause mental health problems, signs you may need help and we touched slightly on getting help. But, I feel that the most important thing you could ever do for your mental health is to get help when you need it. So, this blog post will purely on what to do when you are struggling.
Here are some options for when you are needing support -
♡ Get immediate help
Are you in immediate danger? This could be a danger to another person (you harming another person or another person harming you) or danger to yourself (self-harm). If the answer is yes, call 000 immediately or seek assistance from your closest hospital.
♡ Speak to your GP and book in for some counselling
By talking with your general practitioner about what you are feeling, both physically and emotionally, your GP will be able to assess your needs and make recommendations on moving forward.
When you see your GP, they will ask you questions regarding your personal life, work, relationships and how you have been feeling. By being as honest as possible, you will be able to ensure you are receiving the best treatment.
It's important to note that most GP’s have experience within mental health, but if you feel as though you aren’t getting the help you need, please see another GP.
To book a session with me, please click here.
♡ Contact a hotline
You are able to contact a support hotline. You can contact them about your own mental health but you can also call and seek advice regarding a loved one too. Here are a few of my favourites:
Beyond Blue:
Depression, anxiety and stigma
Call 1300 22 4636, 24 hours / 7 days a week
Suicide Call Back Service
24/7 support if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal
Call 1300 659 467
eheadspace:
mental health and wellbeing support to people aged 12-25
Call 1800 650 890, 9am-1am AEST / 7 days a week
Kids Helpline
Counselling service for people aged 5 to 25
Call 1800 55 1800
Lifeline
24-hour crisis counselling, support groups and suicide prevention services
Call 13 11 14
♡ Speak with loved ones
Struggling with mental health is such a difficult thing to do, nobody should do it alone. Your family and friends love you SO much. They want to know if you are struggling and want to help you. I promise that they care and will want to help you.
By bringing a loved one along to the GP, you could find it a lot easier to open up and discuss the hard stuff. You don’t need to do it alone, so please don’t.
♡ Join a support group
This sounds super cliché, and I know it, but joining a support group can really help.
No matter what you’re going through, somebody else has felt the same emotions and pain as you. It may be in a different way, but by having people with similar experiences around you, you won’t feel so alone and I know it can help.
You can find local support groups by googling “support group *your location*”.
♡ Assess your life!
Things can “look” great for you and you still suffer from mental health issues, but by taking a quick snapshot of your life, you may notice a few things which you can easily and quickly change that will help overall.
Ask yourself the following questions and write down the answers.
- What do you love? Do more of it.
- What don’t you love? Do less of it.
- What are your relationships like? If they are negative, why are you holding onto them?
- Do you enjoy your work? If not, why do you do it? Can you find anything new?
- What do you do for you? Do you do this often?
- What is your financial situation? Can it improve? How?
- Do you nourish your body? Do you drink plenty of water? Do you sleep well? Do you eat well? If you said no to any of these questions, you need to start.
- Do you move? This can be walking, dancing, doing yoga etc. If no, start.
You could be doing everything on this list and still suffer, and it isn’t uncommon, but small changes can make big differences.
I left “assess your life” to last because I will dive soo much deeper into this sort of stuff in the future with a whole heap more information, which overall will help you to live your best life possible by improving your mental, physical, spiritual and emotional health.
Keep an eye out on our blog and social media accounts!
With love
Shorina xo
Counsellor + Wellness & Mental Health Coach
Hi, I'm Shorina and I'm an Australian Counsellor + Wellness & Mental Health Coach. I'm here to support you to redefine your relationship to self and life! I incorporate a mind, body and soul wellness approach to my work with a focus on healing and mindfulness ♡