We live in a world where it is easier than ever to communication with anyone at any time, yet when it comes to talking about our feelings, we struggle. Just like physical health, we all have mental health too; however we generally find it more difficult and uncomfortable to talk about our struggles with our mental health than we do talking about a physical injury or disability.
Sometimes when I’m feeling frustrated or stressed, I feel anxious and my tolerance level with people around me can be low as I struggle to think clearly. These are the times when I know that telling someone how I’m feeling can help get all of those negative thoughts and feelings out, rather than staying inside of me, bubbling away until someone pushes that button and they come out in lots of mini explosions!
Emotions aren’t supposed to stay inside of us. If we don’t let them out in a healthy way, they will find a way out. Think of your feelings as the bubbles trapped inside a champagne bottle which you shake and shake but never let out. Eventually, the cork is going to blow and the champagne will spray out uncontrollably.
Through my training as a Psychotherapist, I’ve learnt that it is good to talk. I have some amazing friends and family who I can trust and an incredibly supportive husband (who may not always know what to say but is always ready with a hug). They are my tribe, my go-to people when I need to off-load what I’m thinking and how I’m feeling or I need to figure something out. Talking to someone about your worries, concerns and feelings can help you to rationalise your thoughts and install some inner calm if you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
Talking about our worries and concerns helps us build resilience, and in turn can help us to support our friends, families and colleagues through difficult times. A problem shared is a problem halved. We need space in our head to think clearly so by tidying up our thoughts by talking and getting them out, we create that space which helps us to feel less overwhelmed and able to think a little clearer. So next time you feel like you can’t think, your head’s full of silent monkey chatter or you’re about to explode;