When you struggle with your mental health, it often feels like you need to keep it all to yourself. It can be difficult reaching out and knowing who to reach out to. But having a good support system is important. Not just on your bad days, but your good mental health days too!
Start With People You Already Know Who Support You
One of the hardest parts about finding a support system for your mental health is to know who to turn to, especially when you aren’t sure how to meet the right people. But don’t worry – for now you can consider the people you already know.
Who in your life right now is someone you can easily talk to? Maybe it is someone who already understands mental illnesses because they also deal with them, or it is someone who you feel like you can open up to and won’t judge you.
It might be one person or a small group of people, either friends, family members, colleagues, or even neighbors. The great thing about your support system is that you can support them as well.
Reach Out to Local Peer Groups
When you feel ready to get out of your own circle of loved ones, local peer groups are an excellent way to find like-minded people. For some people, they look specifically for support groups about their mental illness, like anxiety, depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. But other peer groups just related to groups or activities you enjoy can also help you to meet new people who might struggle with the same issues that you do.
Don’t Hesitate to Get Professional Help
Your support system also includes a doctor, therapist, or psychiatrist. They all provide different types of services that will improve your mental health, and become part of your support team.
With certain mental illnesses, it is important that you don’t just “tough it out” and hope for the best. There is nothing wrong with needing professional help. Talking to your family doctor is a great place to start as they often have resources for mental health professionals. You can also look for a therapist or counselor that specializes in your mental illness, like anxiety or depression.
One last thing to keep in mind is that the first therapist might not be the right fit. Do not be afraid to try different people until you find the person you really click with and can freely open up to.