I found it very difficult to really tell people what was going on for fear of their reaction. I was scared that people wouldn’t understand or react negatively. I was also worried people would think I was looking for attention. I old some people small things but never properly told anyone what was going on in detail for a very long time as I really didn’t trust anyone. It really built up and I found this immense pressure building up inside me because it was all getting too much and I was on the verge of snapping. I didn’t know what to do and I couldn’t ask anyone else for help.
I ended up telling completely snapping and telling a teacher after one of the worst panic attacks I had ever had, resulting in floods of tears. It all just came out and I couldn’t help myself but just say everything. I felt slightly embarrassed after I did it because I didn’t know why I did it and it was more than I had ever told anyone before. He was so understanding and helpful about everything which I honestly could not be more grateful for. I did this in April and it’s now January and I still talk to him at least twice a week about how I’m feeling. It has also led me to talk to other people about what is going on so I now have many close friends that understand.
I felt like a massive weight had been lifted off my shoulders; this pressure had been released. Someone else knew how much I was struggling and what I was going through. The reaction I received made me feel much more positive about opening up to other people because I got a good reaction which is still helping me deal with my problems to this day.
It’s so important for you to tell someone how you’re feeling so that someone can help you because it will be very difficult for you to try and recover on your own. It will help keep you safe and you will always have someone there for you. It will also make you feel so much better as a problem shared is a problem halved! You can go to someone when something goes wrong and if you’re struggling. It also makes it easier for you to tell other people as one person has helped so other people probably will. It will also make reaching out for help a lot easier as you have someone to help you with it and will make it easier for you to open up.
Telling someone can be very difficult especially when you are struggling to understand your emotions yourself. From my experience, I have come up with few things to consider when opening up:
· You need to make sure that they are someone you trust because they are likely to understand better and it will make it easier for you to confide in them.
· Also, I’d tell them little bits at a time and see how they react and how you feel. If you tell it all straight away, you might regret it and telling small bits gives you small chances to reflect on how it’s going.
· Consider their emotions towards what you are saying because similar things may have affected them which can make them uncomfortable or they may not know how to react especially if shocked.
· If you are particularly shy but still want to tell someone, you don't have to do it face to face. You could always send a text or write a letter because that will open up the conversation between you and that person.
· Make sure that they understand the mental illness as fully as possible because this will help them understand how you feel and ways to help you.
· If someone asks you if you’re okay or what is going on, don’t reject their help. They usually have your best interest at heart and are worried about you so they are some of the best people to talk to.