Recent studies show that the current state of mental health in individuals is becoming critical. Many adults, especially, are struggling with stress, depression, anxiety, various forms of mental health issues, and substance abuse. Everyone needs and deserves emotional support. When you're going through a difficult time, there are few things better than knowing that you're not alone. And that's what emotional support gives you. But how can you find this support? The following tips can help.

1. Identify what type of emotional support you need

The first thing you need to do is check in with yourself. Identify the root causes of the issues affecting your emotional health to determine what type of support you need. For example, are you struggling financially? Do you lack a family connection? Do you need everyday assistance at home? Are you struggling with substance abuse? Are you dealing with depression? Identifying the cause of your mental health struggles will help you know how and where to find the support you need. For instance, if you're dealing with depression, regardless of the root cause, you can rely on various depression treatment and support programs to assist you.

2. Try free telephone or online counseling services

Perhaps you only need someone to talk to. Fortunately, you can find several telephone and online counseling services that provide a listening ear at no cost. You can sit at home and speak to trusted and experienced people to assist you while maintaining your privacy. Do not consider your problem too small to pick up the phone and speak to someone. You can also find various online counseling services that are more than ready to assist and support you.

3. Speak to a friend or loved one, and don't assume

Many people make the mistake of expecting those around them to notice they need emotional support. Don't assume that those close to you know you're struggling emotionally and are ignoring you. Instead, take the initiative to speak out. Perhaps, the thought of feeling vulnerable is discouraging you from speaking to a loved one about your emotional need. And it's understandable, as no one will want to admit weakness. However, it takes more courage to admit that you need help and ask for it.

Also, it's more effective to use assertive communication when asking for the help you need. In other words, say exactly what type of help you need. For instance, if you need someone to vent to, tell your loved ones you need to get some stuff off your chest and ask them if they make a little time to listen.

4. Give support to get support

Sometimes, the best way to get emotional support is to be the emotional support someone else needs. You may feel like you don't have it in you to be of any form of support to someone, but it is worth trying. In most cases, it only requires doing the basic things like checking up on a colleague, encouraging a friend, etc. Such acts help you create healthy relationships you can fall on when you need support.

How To Get Emotional Support When Dealing With Life’s Challenges