Mental health stigma still has us in the Dark Ages Boot Straps Stoicism has killed more people than anything I know in the form of alcoholism, addiction, suicide, and the long slow death of denial and PTSD. Depression, anxiety, and PTSD are not illnesses to be scorned or defects of character - they are neuropsychological responses to extreme stress in numerous forms that affect every one differently and are NOT to be shamed by ignorant bystanders who would lay judgments on people struggling.
While it's getting better, mental health stigma still persists like a
bad dream, even today. So, while addiction and suicide rates climb,
competent qualified mental health professionals are at a premium, and
often difficult to find in rural areas and small towns. Good mental
health care can be found if you know where to look. The search is worth
the effort, and this blog has a number of links on our home page to get you started.
Self Help Strategies
If you are struggling with mental health symptoms and are uncomfortable seeking a therapist, counselor, or life coach, then get out a notebook, and START WRITING. Write whatever comes into your head, don't censor it and UNLOAD. When the paper owns it, you'll be able to look at it and see yourself more clearly. This is the first step to well being.
No one knows better than you do what you are thinking and feeling, and the pen and paper are your vehicle to clear the channel, especially if you are bogged down in hopelessness, feelings of despair and raging emotion. Remember, suicide is permanent, and feeling wretched might feel like it will last forever, but if the paper becomes your friend, then you can process those feelings and move thru them. Being emotionally stuck is like being constipated, something has got to come out.
What about online coaching & therapy?
Studies have shown that online therapies can be quite effective in those dealing with suicidal thoughts. Even texting can be an effective intervention. What's important is reaching out for help, instead of suffering and staying stuck because it seems like there's no where to turn.
Below are some links to some interesting scientific articles on suicide prevention. If you're feeling over whelming symptoms of distress, as outlined below, please seek professional mental health care. There's no need to stay miserable and suffer endlessly alone!
Suicide Prevention and Texting - Easier Than You Might Think
