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How to get help for problems without explaining problems...?
Stupid title I know because it's stupid and I know if I want help I have to explain what's going on. But hear me out.
Also hi I just remembered this forum exists after I've been having breakdowns and not being able to afford my psychologist but we wiggle on. Hi again!
Look, I feel like I can't tell anyone my struggles because they're legitimately just inside my head, therefore not as deserving of help for anyone actually going through it? Like I'm mentally distressed by something that affects others physically but is only affecting me mentally. Maybe we can call this a delusion even though it's not but it might be easier to explain that way. I'm probably not making any sense but I don't want to explicitly say because I don't want to step on anyone's toes, or maybe it's too hard to explain, or maybe I just don't feel like it, I don't know. Logically I know that if something is causing me distress then I deserve help for it, but I still can't bring myself to ask for help. It's all in my head, I should be able to sort this out myself
So I'm not even really sure what I'm asking of this forum. Validation? Maybe I just needed to vent? But whatever it is it's here now
I kinda want help for this mental problem before my mental health gets so bad I end up making it a real physical problem.
I guess I'm asking, how do I talk about this kind of thing? How do I get the courage to seek help for this kind of thing? It's actually been going on longer than I've had my current therapist but I have never brought it up because I'm scared
Comments
Hey @utgard 
Your question and title isnt stupid at all, as you are trying to explain your situation and are trying to actively seek help. Which is already very brave.
While I wouldn't know too much about internal talking/thoughts, maybe try to document the said thoughts to keep a record on what was being said, and that when trying to seek help from a professional that you have some evidence to show what were the thoughts like?
The method of seeking courage is subjective, as it differs from person to person. But you have already started in making the first step in helping yourself, you just now have to plan out what you think you can do. Documenting your inner thoughts, talking to a friend about it, talk to the Reachout community etc. Doing step by step until you feel comfortable on telling your therapist about it.
Hope this works
Hi @utgard 
I'm sorry to hear that you are distressed but can't explain what is going on without feeling guilty asking for help. This is something a lot of people experience and are often hesitant to seek support. It is okay to feel scared and uncertain especially when you are still trying to understand it yourself. But it is also okay to reach out for help, you have made the first steps by coming on here asking for help.
Could you possibly write these internal thoughts and what going through your head down, to keep track of them? It could help you feel less distressed and with these, you could potentially bring it to your therapist when you feel comfortable and just say you've been experiencing this for a while but haven't been able to explain the issue. This way your therapist might be able to help you break them down without you having to articulate them and support you before it becomes a physical problem.
If this problem is something that making lifestyle changes can help, try them and make them small. Whether these are things like sitting outside for 15 minutes to help get vitamin D, going for a walk, reducing screentime and even things like journaling. This could help reduce some of the distress around the issue until you feel comfortable enough to ask for support or speak to your therapist about it.
You have already taken the first step by asking for help here, which takes a lot of courage and strength. You are not alone and there are plenty of resources and the forums are here if you need them.
Hey @utgard
This is not a stupid title or issue at all!! Welcome again - we’re so glad you’re back and reaching out! That takes a lot of effort, and is often incredibly frustrating when you feel so distressed, but feel guilty for it or cannot explain it as well as you’d like.
It sounds like you might have many stressors and difficulties in your life - this is a very real experience for you, not delusional, even though the source of this experience feels internal. Often, when we feel like sharing our problems is burdensome to others, this compounds - resulting in so much mental distress over time. I’m so sorry that you’re going through this.
This forum is designed to support, validate, and empower people - it’s a very safe space to share difficult personal experiences. I hear you feel torn about whether to seek help, but am glad that you recognise you deserve help - you do! It is scary, especially when you fear judgement or shame from others.
Sometimes, gaining courage to seek help requires lots of little and slightly uncomfortable steps, with a positive (generally) outcome after each step. For example, you have made the first step by making this post, yay you!! Potentially, the second step would be to write down your thoughts and struggles in a journal or diary, or talk to a trusted person in your social circle about it.
By sharing this with your therapist at a later session will allow them to help you as well as possible - that’s their job! Articles on finding courage to reach out here and here may be helpful for you.
Hope this helps!
Hi @utgard ,
First of all, welcome back to the forum, and thank you for reaching out during this difficult time. It takes courage to open up about your struggles, especially when they feel complex and difficult to articulate.
It's completely understandable to feel hesitant about seeking help for something that feels internal and intangible. Mental distress is just as valid and deserving of support as physical ailments, even if others may not see it that way. Your feelings and experiences are real, and you deserve compassion and understanding.
It sounds like you're grappling with feelings of uncertainty and fear about discussing your struggles. It's okay to feel scared, but it's also important to recognise that reaching out for help is a brave and proactive step towards healing.
Talking about mental health concerns can be challenging, but it's essential for your well-being. You don't have to have all the answers or perfectly articulate your thoughts and feelings. Starting the conversation, even if it's just with a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional, can be a crucial first step.
If you're unsure how to broach the topic with your therapist, you might consider writing down your thoughts and feelings beforehand or bringing up your concerns during your next session. Your therapist is there to support you, and they can help guide you through the process of addressing these challenges.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You're not alone in this journey, and there are people and resources available to support you every step of the way. Take things at your own pace, and know that it's okay to ask for help when you need it.