Do you struggle with your mental health and have a difficult time in getting people to be more understanding? In some cases, your friends or colleagues might give you a hard time regarding your anxieties and depression.
If so, here are seven suggestions on how to deal with people regarding your mental health issues:
Listen to the professionals and not your friends.
Your peers may mean well, but when it comes down to it, the professionals are aware of your circumstances more than anyone. When you have questions about your mental health, consult a therapist. They know what you are going through and will be able to provide you with suggestions and insights on how to deal with your current problem.
Don't argue.
It is important that you do not get into arguments with those giving you a rough time. This isn't a situation where you need to get approval from everyone. It is not your job to worry about how others may view your circumstances. Your health is more important than what other people may think.
Your goal is to get better.
This is your life, and you are the one suffering. Concentrate on how you can face your fears and anxieties. Your number one priority is to get relief and get better.
Tell your friends to learn about your situation.
Explain to your peers that the best way for them to help you is to learn about your mental health issues. They could talk to a counselor, read some good books, or join a support group to better understand your situation.
Distance yourself from those who give you a difficult time.
If your friends who don't understand your situation won't make an effort, then distance yourself from them, because they will only make things worse. You need to surround yourself with positive and supportive people. If you have problems or issues with a particular person, you can always ask a counselor for advice.
Understand that you are not alone.
It can be very frustrating to manage your fear-related issues when the people you know are on your case. Remember, you are not alone. There are millions of people around the world who struggle with fears, anxieties, and depression. The key is to find those people who can relate to you through various organizations in your area.
Join a local mental health support group.
There are many mental health awareness support groups in your area. Many hospitals, churches, and counselors will be able to provide you with a list of these organizations. These groups will be aware of your situation and can give you additional advice regarding your problems.
Stan Popovich is the author of the popular book A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear. For more information about his book and to get some more free mental health advice, please visit http://www.managingfear.com/.