By Stan Popovich
Do you struggle with your anxieties and have a difficult time in getting your friends and family to be more understanding?
In some cases, your loved ones can give you a hard time regarding your mental health struggles.
As a result, here are six suggestions on how to discuss your anxiety issues and improve mental health awareness with your friends and relatives.
1. Talk to a counselor: The most important thing that you need to do is to talk to a counselor about dealing with your mental health problems and the people you know. Seeking professional help will go a long way in overcoming your current issues. In addition, a counselor will be able to give you additional advice on how to deal with your friends and family members.
2. Don’t argue with others: It is important that you do not get into arguments with those who are giving you a hard time. Your number one priority is getting your life back on track. Your health is more important than what other people may think.
3. Watch who you hang out with: It is important to surround yourself with positive people. Try to keep your distance from those people who are giving you a difficult time. Remember that your goal is to remain positive and hopeful. Do not let the negative people in your life bring you down.
4. You are not alone: It can be very frustrating to deal with your mental health issues when your friends and relatives are on your case. Remember, you are not alone. There are millions of people around the world who struggle in maintaining good mental health. The key is to find those people who can relate to you.
It is important to stand your ground when dealing with family members and friends who are giving you a hard time. Explain your situation and your feelings to the people in your life, however don’t let them hassle you. Your number one priority is to get better and not to please everyone that you know.
5. Join a support group: There are many mental health support groups in your area that can help you. Many hospitals, churches, and counselors in your area will be able to provide you with a list of groups. These mental health organizations will be supportive of your situation and they can give you additional advice regarding your problems.
6. Take things in stride: Instead of worrying about how you will get through the rest of the week or coming month, try to focus on today. Each day can provide us with different opportunities to learn new things and that includes learning how to deal with the people you know regarding your mental health.
Never give up regardless of your situation. The answers to your problems are out there, however you must find those answers. You need to know that things will eventually get better if you work at it. Your friends and family will come around if you make the effort to reason with them.
Stan is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear” which covers a variety of techniques that can drastically improve your mental health. For more information, please visit Stan’s website at http://www.managingfear.com