Life can get lonely, especially in moments of hectic schedules, deadlines, intense relationship stress, or, like now, in the aftermath of COVID. While it might be possible to retain a secure sense of self and healthy relationships with ourselves a majority of the time, even the best of us get caught up in our emotions, unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel. That’s when we need to admit that we need emotional support.
Some of us have lost support systems due to breakups, divorces, immigration, death or illness, or financial disaster. When someone in our life no longer is able to provide for us emotionally, it can often feel like we are losing a part of ourselves, like our world is falling apart.
Having a strong social support system can really boost your ability to handle problems on your own. It boosts your self-esteem and gives you a sense of independence. By actively seeking new social interactions and nurturing existing relationships, we can build a reliable support network. And remember, you don’t need a huge circle of friends and family to benefit from social support. Even a small group of like-minded people, like co-workers, neighbors, or fellow members of a religious community, can provide a sense of friendship and support.
If you need emotional support, it means you must be proactive in not only seeking support but also mental health counseling. Let’s consider what it will take to get you going in the right direction.
Never Be Afraid to Ask for Help If You Need Emotional Support
Make a call, send a text, visit a friend. Connecting with others can make a huge difference.
Being vulnerable can be tough, but talking about our problems can be the first step in grounding ourselves during uncertain times.
None of us wants to admit our weaknesses to anyone, let alone people we know. However, psychologists believe that in order for us to be able to process our emotions we must connect with others. Being vulnerable means having the bravery to be present and visible.
When we are vulnerable, we create intimacy with our peers, which in turn produces a more secure network for sharing emotions and receiving feedback, care, and strength from others during difficult times. Creating a safe space for intimacy to flourish requires individuals to take responsibility for personal safety and nurture a sense of security within the relationship. We do this by practicing acceptance and compassion for ourselves, which will then naturally extend to others.
Attachment theory teaches us that the impulse to seek support systems stems from our early experiences. Our need for others depends on the reliability of our caregivers. Insecure attachments can lead us to seek validation and security throughout our lives. Our past pain informs our present needs.
Action Plan For Emotional Support
However, everyone’s needs are unique, so there’s no need to feel embarrassed about seeking emotional support. We all come from different backgrounds and require varying levels of support. If you feel you’re lacking, it’s important to acknowledge the deficiency. Then, you need to work on becoming more secure while building a network of external support.
We need to do four essential things:
- Ask for what we need
- Be willing to expose our feelings
- Say what we want
- Slow down and be present
Doing all of this will help us evaluate our current situation and create a plan moving forward, whether that be toward professional help or strengthening current relational supports.
Seek Professional Help Is the Logical Next Step
No problem is too large or too small for a therapist, so do not be afraid to seek treatment if necessary. Unfortunately, many of us hesitate to do that.
When we are sick, we see a physician. When we have a broken bone, we see a doctor at a hospital to get a cast. But when we are experiencing mental issues, we don’t always consider going to a therapist as part of the solution.
The truth is that therapy is there to help us sort out our thoughts. Therapists aid us by hearing our stories and directing us to build constructive and consistent narratives surrounding difficult life circumstances. Positive behavioral therapy can make a huge difference in our lives, even if we only go one hour a week.
Mental health clinics like Harmony are dedicated to the treatment of mental illness and restoration of balance and well-being. We also offer depression treatment using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which can be incredibly effective in confronting even our most difficult thinking patterns.
Mental health professionals often attempt to instill security in their patients, allowing for a strong sense of self (self-permanence) and the ability to see beyond momentary struggles.
Get the Help You Need With Harmony
One of the most difficult parts about seeking help for mental health issues is finding the right source and the right therapist. Fortunately, Harmony is an excellent resource.
Don’t wait until things get worse. If you need emotional support, it’s time to reach out for help to Harmony so that you can find a brighter future. For new clients, please click here to schedule an appointment. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.