Feeling Low?
Everyone experiences ups and downs, depending
on what is happening in their lives. It depends on your personality
too: some people will risk the lows in order to experience the
highs whilst others prefer stability. No one feels great all the
time, and it is normal to feel low sometimes, as long as it doesn’t
stay that way for too long.
Realising things are not as good as they could
be is a first step to doing something about it. If you are
feeling low right now, please talk to someone about it. Talking
openly about how you really feel can be like opening a door.
Talking puts you back in control and reveals the choices you
have. Whilst it may not be possible to solve all the
problems you are facing, you can find things to help you look after
yourself day to day.
Many people feel pressured into hiding their
feelings out of embarrassment or concern not to burden family or
friends. But hiding under a calm exterior only saves the problem
for later and stress can build up until it becomes unbearable.
Don’t leave it that long.
Samaritans volunteers have heard many people’s
stories, and you can discuss anything you want with them in
complete confidence. Samaritans often work with those who feel they
cannot talk to anyone else – either because they don’t have someone
they trust, or because they do not want to worry those around them.
Remember that our the phone, email, letter and face to face support services
are available 24/7.
Asking for help
Once you identify who to speak to, the next
step is actually talking to them. Talking with friends, family,
colleagues or someone like Samaritans about a problem is never
easy. If a problem is really bad, what can you say?
Every situation is different, and there are no
absolute answers. But here are some suggestions to help you start
talking in difficult, challenging situations. Often, starting a
conversation's half the battle.
Some of these tips might be useful:
- Think of where you will have the conversation. Choose somewhere
you feel safe and where you’re not likely to be disturbed.
- Remember that they will almost certainly want to offer you
support but you need to help them understand what you want from
them.
- Remember that the hardest part is starting a conversation. Once
you have done this it will get easier.
Useful information
Worried
about someone else?
Personal
Stories
Find out
more about emotional health
Other
sources of help