Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out
For the longest time, there has always been judgment facing people that go to therapy. The common misconception regarding people who receive therapy is that they are weak or crazy because they are not able to fix their problems on their own. This is far from the truth. Reaching out to others does not make you weak, it makes you strong. Wanting to learn ways to help yourself is a good thing. From personal experience, I felt this way for a long time too and feared going to a stranger with my deepest emotional quarrels. Having been to therapy for over six years now, I look forward to my appointments and being able to release all my worries with zero tension and hesitation.
Therapy can cost a lot, and sometimes is not the right fit for you, but there are an abundance of options, so do not shut down if one person or organization does not feel right.
Applications
With the rising age of technology, there are now numerous applications that are a source of therapy. Through apps such as Talkspace, BetterHelp and Regain, you are able to connect with numerous professionals straight from your phone (at a small cost). If you are not comfortable meeting in person and want full anonymity, this is the way to go. Mental health applications such as Headspace pose as a form of relaxation and provide tranquility for the mind.
Online Support Groups
Online support groups are a great way for you to connect and communicate in a group with others that feel the same way as you. This can provide a sense of community and ease tensions of singularity by being able to talk to others about their opinions and feel heard. These groups are easily able to be found with the click of a Google search.
Local Services
At your university, there are many sources of therapy that you can reach out to. Going to your local health clinic is beneficial, and allows you to meet with someone in person close to your home and in a comfortable space. If you do not want to speak to a healthcare professional at Elon, they will be able to connect you with mental health clinics in the Burlington area.
Hotlines
There are an incredible amount of support hotlines just a simple call away. These professionals work around the clock to make sure they are able to answer the phone and provide you with immediate emotional assistance. These hotlines include the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Crisis Text Line for general help, and The Trevor Project. These incredible organizations are there to be at your side anytime you need.
With all of these options for reaching out regarding mental health, it is important to not ignore your feelings or push them away. Pushing them away will not allow you to grow and truly feel happy. From someone who has received incredible support through these years, it is something we at The Edge highly recommend. Reach out to a friend or family member, because anyone who truly cares about you will do anything to put a smile on your face.