Dealing with illness is tough, and if you’re a young person facing serious or chronic medical issues, it can feel like you’re battling more than just physical symptoms. It’s easy to push those intense feelings aside, but trauma has a way of coming back stronger. That’s why knowing when to ask for emotional support is crucial. Here’s how to spot the signs that you might need professional help to navigate your feelings and challenges.
Signs You Might Need Emotional Help
Overwhelming Feelings: Picture yourself as a pitcher and your feelings as water filling it up. If your emotions are spilling over, it might be time to seek emotional support to help you manage and understand these intense feelings.
Less Healthy Coping Strategies: When you're overwhelmed, you might rely on coping methods that aren’t so great for you. While hitting the gym or spending time with friends is healthy, turning to things like overeating, under-eating, or excessive gaming might be signs that you need more support. If you find yourself resorting to harmful behaviors like self-harm, it's definitely time to seek help from a professional.
Strained Relationships: If you’ve been avoiding friends or taking out your stress on loved ones, and you can’t connect with people like you used to, it’s a signal that you might need emotional support. Professional help can guide you through improving and maintaining these important relationships.
Feeling Sick All the Time: Sometimes, being sick isn’t just about your physical illness. Chronic stress or emotional struggles can affect your physical health too. If you can’t seem to get better, getting emotional support might help you tackle the underlying issues affecting both your mind and body.
Disconnection from Things You Love: Managing an illness can make it hard to engage in activities you once enjoyed. However, if you’ve lost interest in these things even when you have the chance to participate, it might be a sign of depression. Seeking emotional support can help you reconnect with the things that used to bring you joy.
Remember, while it’s easy to focus on physical health, neglecting your mental well-being can have serious long-term effects. If any of these signs resonate with you, consider reaching out to a professional therapist to ensure both your mind and body are in the best shape to face your challenges.