6 Bitter Pills That Are Hard to Swallow but Help You Heal Your Soul

Admitting to Yourself That You Are Not Okay

This is the first step, where your environment can help, but ultimately it is important that you become aware if you are struggling with a mental problem. This is not always simple or the same for every issue, but if you acknowledge that you need help, the next step can come.

Many things can complicate the process: for some reason, you feel the problem is taboo, you don’t know where to turn, you don’t want to appear weak, or you fear what others might think. What I think is most important, however, is to find the right professional. If you are not on the same wavelength with someone, or for some reason you don’t trust the professional’s method, and you cannot cooperate effectively, definitely move on and look for someone else.

This is perhaps the most nerve-wracking part, as it may happen that you have to tell everything from the beginning to five different people. However, within a few sessions, it can become clear that if you find the perfect partner to guide you through the journey, it’s worth it. I say this from experience.

It may happen that you suppress your feelings or simply cannot articulate or fully feel that you are angry/sad/frustrated. Recognizing negative emotions is extremely important, as is allowing yourself to experience them.

You don’t have to pretend; as soon as you feel it’s time, give space to these feelings. Once, my psychologist gave me advice that I think is very true: every negative thought and bad feeling is like a rain cloud. You have to let the storm rage and then the sun will shine again.

Change is an essential element of growth, which I know can be very frightening, but eventually, moving at your own pace and after achieving some positive experiences, you realize it was necessary to level up. If you feel ready for the next step, take it, because you might have to wait a long time for the next right opportunity.

Regaining mental health is not a straight upward line. It does go upward, but there are waves in it. So it’s okay to have exceptionally good moments and it can also happen that sometimes you slide back a bit into a worse state. Don’t be afraid if this happens, because you won’t end up in the same place you started from, and this state lasts for a shorter time.

You don’t have to be perfect to be loved and respected. The right people will love you anyway and stand by you no matter what happens. Likewise, it is true that you won’t be liked by everyone, no matter how kind you are — and that’s completely okay.