I feel like I can’t open up to teachers or friends about my self-doubt and sadness?

If you can't open up it may because you are afraid what they will think about you after you opened up or even afraid what they may say to you.

Is it feeling like you can't open up, or the anxiety that comes with it? More often than not you will find that others could be struggling with their own demons, and others may not. You seem to fear unacceptance and lack of support.

If you can't open up to others, maybe you can still open up either to a journal or an online chat on 7 cups? Being able to express yourself is really important, and reaching out for help can be hard. Starting to find a way to feel safe in opening up and asking for help is often the hardest part in feeling better. A journal is a good way to write about your feelings and track how you feel over time, and maybe even see what has helped you in the past. Make sure you always have compassion for yourself.

Thank you for reaching out! I can really hear you feel hesitancy towards reaching out to family, friends about negative emotions you are going through. Sharing your vulnerabilities and unhappy moments can be a challenge. Do ask yourself these questions: Am I thinking too much about the reactions I could get if I do open up about my struggles, doubts and unpleasant emotions? Are others open in sharing their vulnerabilities? Do the people I interact with seem perfect and like they do not go through any problems or insecurities? Do I feel like if I do open up I will be ignored or that people will not understand what it’s like to be me? Remember that people who asked questions are the ones who actually gave answers to the greatest world problems later in their lives. So don't hesitate and be the bright mind that you ought to be. Start asking why doubts are there I’m the first place. Don’t mask them and pretend they are not there. It’s really important for your own self-development to put yourself out of your comfort zone. As soon as you have the self-acceptance with what you are going through, you will be more prone to opening up with these people as long as a strong trust level is built. Communicating will improve your confidence as well as clear your doubts about things which will later help you reduce any insecurity you may feel which comes with the stigma about talking about your mental health. Wanting to explore your thoughts and emotions further? You are welcome to have a 1-1 chat with any of our amazing listeners or therapists on o or site who can give you a listening ear. There are Anxiety support rooms, Depression support rooms and Relationship support rooms you can access to to have a heartfelt talk with those who can relate to you and share your experiences.

It can be really hard to face the people around you and expose yourself in such a vulnerable way since this is a very personal experience that you're going through. I've felt a very similar way in the past and I understand and felt how isolating it can be and how difficult it is to take those first steps and break through your own personal doubts in order to seek help and find a way out of that dark state of mind. But you're also under no obligations to anyone and you're allowed to take time to process your feelings yourself.