I talked recently about reasons to reach out for support, but there are so many other reasons.  When people present for therapy they have many issues that they are struggling to manage.  Anxiety and depression can look very different in the population and can result is varying behaviors and feelings.  If this affects you, the underlying issues should be explored in order to keep them from festering and becoming something that affects the focus of your life.  So let’s talk about more reasons to reach out for help from family, friends, professionals, or just someone that you trust to be honest and helpful.

Nothing makes me happy anymore.

                This is a significant struggle, and a symptom of depression.  People, who were active and smiling, become sad and withdraw from everything.  They spend more time at home, and many behaviors change, as well as changes in mood.  People who were once active with friends, decline invitations and often lose touch with friends and family.  Many times, people go through periods where they just want to be alone and return to previous activities on their own.   It’s hard to know the point that you should be concerned, but if you have been isolating and you just can’t recover reach out for support.

I binge eat sometimes, or I just don’t eat at all.  I’m just not hungry.

                Eating is important, as is drinking water, to keep healthy.  Many eating disorders start with changes to eating patterns that continue to evolve into major problems that can result in hospitalization.   Eating three meals a day is important for your medical and mental health.  You might not be eating gourmet meals for all three meal times, but eating something healthy is important.  Healthy eating patterns can help with mood, energy, sleep, and just an overall feeling of hope.  It’s odd to think that a simple peanut butter sandwich could lift your spirits, but if it provides comfort and some nutrition, it’s important to you and those who love you.

I can’t do anything right.

                I here this quite often from patients, especially children and adults with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).  I think many people go through times when they feel that nothing is going the way they would like it to go.  People have issues at work, or in relationships, and it feels overwhelming and frustrating.  When I was working with children and adults with ADHD, I attended a training and the presenter talked about the importance of finding something positive.  She made the statement that even a broken clock is correct twice a day.  Finding the positive when things are hard is so important.  Sometimes waking up and getting out of bed is enough, even if the rest of the day isn’t great.   There is always something positive to hang on too.

                Again, this is just a small list, but so important to think about.  Everyone manages stress differently, and most get through it without an issue.  Sometimes people get stuck and can’t get out of it.  If that happens to you, it’s okay to ask for help and support.  Talk about how you are feeling with friends and family and get help from a professional if you need different types of support.    Don’t suffer in silence.  Asking for support is all part of being happy, for life.