Seek Out Others

The only certainty in life is uncertainty! Strong mental health requires a variety of healthy coping skills for whatever adversity life throws your way. It is impossible to prepare yourself for every experience in life, but you can develop a strong skill set to help you when the unexpected happens.

 One way to increase coping skills is to reach out to others. Social support can benefit mental health and can teach different ways to cope with life’s challenges. Our experiences make us unique, our emotions make us human. Your life experiences will be unique compared to those around you, but your emotional experiences are not that different from those same people. The same emotions are observed across a variety of cultures, amongst both men and women. However, despite our shared emotions, it is common to feel alone. 
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I have often felt that no one understands me because they have not had my life experiences. In a sense this is true, no one has experienced the same things as me. However, the empathy I have given, and received, has taught me that the belief of being alone is both false and unhealthy. With that in mind, technology provides people an opportunity to connect with others from all over the world who face similar emotional challenges. Online support groups, message boards, and virtual meetings allow individuals to come together, learn from each other, and take comfort in the sense of community. Regardless of how alone or hopeless you may feel, countless others are ready and willing to support and help you through your struggle

~C.D