There’s a cheesy quote I like to share with my clients: The opposite of depression is expression. When we keep things bottled up inside of us, they tend to fester, and we eventually have a big emotional outburst that may feel out of our control. Talking and communicating how you feel can be a helpful way to alleviate feeling sad or stressed.
Oftentimes, when we lay things down on paper or share them with someone other than our internal dialogue, we feel a release. Talking to others can help normalize your experience, and create dialogue surrounding how to best receive support.
When the topic of starting therapy emerges, you may question, well why would I talk to a stranger about my issues when I could just talk to my partner, a friend, or a family member? While it is true that your loved ones can serve as vital supporters, you could occasionally encounter some roadblocks:
- they may struggle to be objective.
- they may have their own issues that they are working through, and may not have the full capacity to support you.
- what you’re experiencing could go beyond their scope of expertise.
That’s why talking to a professional therapist could help alleviate your symptoms, and could take some pressure off of your relationships.
Whether you’re talking to a friend, a loved one, or a trained specialist, talking is a good antidote to feeling overwhelmed. You are not alone in your struggles, and others would love to be of support to you as you navigate difficult moments!