Most of us have faced challenges in life, and the pandemic has brought added stress to many of us, including feelings of isolation, and grief. Shame, guilt and other emotional pain are also emotions that many people struggle with. We may think we are the only ones who feel like we do, and that can cause us to feel very alone. You might be surprised to find out how many people struggle with similar issues in life. Asking for help can be difficult for many reasons. Our western society has pushed a rugged individualism implying that it is weak to ask for help. Also many families had a rule that it is not right to go outside the family for help. These “rules” can cause one to feel ashamed and/or embarrassed to share their problems with another, and may think that they should be able to solve problems on their own. Seeking help is actually a sign of strength.
Therapy can be a valuable tool for personal growth and healing. Together, we can develop strategies to process and cope with difficult emotions. Learning self-compassion is important when we are healing,. This is treating oneself with the same kindness, concern, and understanding that one would offer to a good friend. Self-compassion helps us to learn a new narrative for our lives.
Comments