Last Thursday, I shared with our group my most recent presentation “ Friends, Family and your Mental Health “

When you’re someone who experiences depression or anxiety, unsupportive friends or family can be challenging. If you find that the people in your life who should be your greatest support aren’t, there are things you can do to find that support. 

First you need to try and recognize that not everyone will understand your depression. Others may have grown up in an environment where they learned it was wrong to show vulnerability. Or maybe their thoughts are influenced by the stigma that is associated with mental illness. 

They might be sympathetic to you, but are unable to support you as they might be experiencing their own mental health challenges. Try being patient and maybe even offer support to that person if you are able to do so. 

Try and remember, sometimes the best way to feel better is to help someone else!  It helps take the focus off of yourself. One of the best ways to find the support you need is to start with yourself. Learn to be your own cheerleader! 

Practice being kind to yourself and keep your self-talk positive. 

And if you are not finding the support you need from family or friends, maybe consider joining a support group, such as DBSA or NAMI. By attending one of these groups, you may find that others who are going through the same challenges may be great friends to have.

There are a few things to remember when dealing with unsupportive people in your life:

1) Not everyone is going to like you, which has nothing to do with you or your like-ability!

2) Your job is NOT to please everyone or to be understood by everyone.

3) It’s natural to want to be understood and liked, but that is a want, and not an essential need. Try and understand the difference between the two, so that you can continue to move forward and find peace within.

Try and remember everyone will have an opinion, and some people may try and force you to agree with their own opinions.

Just remember, You we’re not born to meet the expectations of others, only to meet your own souls purpose, and nothing more!