Talk About It

My whole life, I’ve been a talker. I come from a big, vocal family where interrupting is normal and whoever talks the loudest gets to keep on talking. Talking is second nature to me. I feel awkward in silences and will say pretty much anything to avoid them. I even talk in my sleep. But there are some things that are tough to talk about.

Talk about them anyways.

I’m not suggesting everyone be as loquacious as me about everything, no one would enjoy that, but if you’re having a hard time with something, talking about it could help.

There are a lot of different ways to get help when you need it, which is great, but sometimes it can be a little overwhelming. Sometimes, the sheer number of philosophies, schools of thought, and therapy trends makes it hard to figure out what might be best for you. But before you let the fear of picking the wrong method paralyze you into inaction, try talking to someone.

If you have someone who you trust to listen to you, who will value what you’re saying and feeling, and who will support you, then talking about something that’s weighing on you can be beneficial.

Talking is also a good way to work out a problem and see different possible solutions to it. It can help you organize your jumbled or cyclical thoughts. It can help you feel more in control of an intangible issue.

Talking to someone, sharing with them, can help you feel more connected to them and to your own life.

If you’re not naturally a big talker, it may seem odd or difficult to take the advice of someone who has admitted that she talks all the time, sometimes for no reason—but the kind of communication I’m advocating for is different. These kinds of conversation have a purpose, your wellbeing.

I’m certainly not proposing that talking is a magic cure all that will solve everyone’s problems, that would be ridiculous. I’m also not suggesting that if you can chat with a friend, you’ll never have to seek out other kinds of mental health services. What I am saying is that having an open discussion with someone you trust when you’re having a difficult time can often give you a new perspective and help make you feel less burdened and alone.

This blog is going to explore different ways of communicating and how talking can help when you’re struggling with an issue. And as I talk about talking, I hope to help others find their voices.