Thank you to everyone who answered the survey – the thoughts and advice are tremendous. To ensure anonymity I haven’t linked to bloggers who responded, but please email me (anxietyadventures@gmail.com) if you’d like me to link you – I’m more than happy to do so!
I’m splitting the answers into three parts to prevent an ridiculous long post. Look out for parts two and three over the next couple days.
What is the most helpful advice you’ve been given about dealing with mental health issues?
- I don’t have to be stuck in that issue.
- That everyone copes different and that’s okay. If you are lying about or hiding information about a habit- it’s probably a problem.
- It will pass.
- There was a book I was given in therapy that I found helpful, The Anxiety and Panic Workbook. It had some good tips and sort of made you think about your condition in a different light.
- I guess the best advice would be to fight it, or to be as strong as I am capable of being.
- My best advice
What do you wish others would say to you when you’re struggling?
- Oh wow, this is like fantasy question. “I’m sorry you feel this way. I know it’s hard but I love you and we’ll get through this.”
- Force me to talk about it, and/or just come over and spend time with me. If nothing else, tell me that you recognize I’m struggling.
- I just want them to listen to me. Most of the time there is very little that someone else can do for me, but I find the act of venting to be very beneficial. I need to be able to let off steam, to express how I feel.
- That they understand (if they do) or some sort of validation. Pointing out the good in me, note NOT the all the things that you think are good in my life.I’m here to listen. Then do.
- Nothing. Just listen if I need to talk or show that you are prepared to even if I don’t.
- “I understand”
Sarah
/ March 5, 2013very interesting survey. I can relate to a few of the things said. I think I’d prefer others to ask me why I feel that way. the question helps me to move deeper into my emotion and for me to figure out what’s really bothering me.