When you need to talk to someone, do you have a safe person to go to. Maybe it’s a trusted friend. Maybe a relative with whom you feel safe. Maybe it’s a teacher. It could be a therapist. Even a pastor you trust. Being able to talk to someone safe is an important part of maintaining mental health.
Sometimes it’s very possible to feel as there isn’t someone safe to talk to. Or maybe someone isn’t available. Other resources to find someone to talk to include thehotline.org, lgbthotline.org, and 988 in the US.
Prayer and meditation are great ways to center and to listen. They are part of being healthy. So is talking to someone safe.
I’m a part of Generation X. I call myself an early adopter, since I was born as the generation began. Many of us in Gen X pride ourselves in not needing therapy, help, or any kind of mental health interventions, since we’ve always just gotten through things and didn’t need any help.
I’ve lived through those thoughts. I don’t think they’re helpful. I think that they are, rather, hamful. Thinking, “I can handle this on my own.” isn’t a healthy response to stressful situations. “I’d like to talk to (insert safe person here) about this is a healthy response.
Who is safe for you to talk to?
Kirk Moore is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. He's been a member of the Mental Health Network Board and is also a therapeutic musician, playing music at the bedside for patients - to help bring about the relaxation response to help healing. Find out more at therapeuticmusic.org