Things to try

Discover different activities that can help you take steps toward better mental health.

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Showing 1—5 of 5 for “Shame”

Try talking about it

For:: Opening up to friends & family ,; Trauma ,; Non-substance addiction ,; Relationship issues & breakups ,; Substance use ,; Chronic health issues & disabilities ,; Coping with discrimination & stigma ,; Family conflict ,; Grief & loss ,; Guilt ,; Loneliness ,; Navigating your gender & sexuality ,; Shame

It might be that talking about what you're going through is the last thing you feel like doing. Or, it might be that you don't feel like talking to your loved ones about it. Ironically, this is usually a sign that getting something off your chest may be essential to healing. Consider asking a therapist or someone you trust to be a sounding board for you. You only need to start with one person.

Acknowledge and avoid negative self-talk

For:: Non-substance addiction ,; Substance use ,; Anger ,; Guilt ,; Worry ,; Loneliness ,; Navigating your gender & sexuality ,; Sadness ,; Shame

Stress or worry might lead you to interpret situations negatively, be overly self-critical, or doubt you ability to deal with stressors. To reframe negative thoughts, avoid thinking of them as facts and consider other possibilities. Doing this over time can help reduce the negative emotional response to stress. The world is hard enough, you don't need to be hard on yourself, too.

Build pride for your community

For:: Coping with discrimination & stigma ,; Navigating your gender & sexuality ,; Shame

Seek out examples of people with your experiences and background who have positively contributed to society. This helps combat shame and stigma, building inner strength and resilience.

Consider attending therapy

For:: Worry ,; Anger ,; Burnout ,; Chronic health issues & disabilities ,; Coping with discrimination & stigma ,; Family conflict ,; Grief & loss ,; Guilt ,; Loneliness ,; Non-substance addiction ,; Sadness ,; Shame ,; Substance use ,; Trauma

Therapists and psychiatrists are trained to deal with a range of situations and can reliably hold a safe space for working through things together and develop helpful coping skills.

Practice positive affirmations

For:: Shame ,; Sadness ,; Coping with discrimination & stigma ,; Navigating your gender & sexuality

Shame unfortunately convinces many that they are unworthy or unlovable. Take time to praise and love yourself; for example, write down three things you like about yourself every day.

Showing 1—5 of 5