the happy cactus

Going through life alone is not ideal. However, going through life with friends and you feel alone is somewhat harder. When you think that you are the only one with troubles or suffering, then that is a mental load that becomes so hard to carry. Being surrounded by a community of listeners, even if you have just one person, is so beneficial to your mental and emotional wellbeing. Let me share why it’s important. Sharing your suffering with a friend or friends is such a vital lifeline in the turbulent seas of life. By opening up and sharing your thoughts lightens the burden you carry, allowing emotional release, emotional support all whilst providing clarity. Friends can offer a safe haven for your vulnerabilities, provide empathy, understanding, and a reassuring reminder that you’re not alone in your struggles. This act of sharing fosters trust and strengthens bonds thus nurturing relationships that can weather any storm. It’s a powerful reminder that human connection is a balm for the soul, soothing wounds and helping you navigate the darkest moments. In the act of sharing, you find solace, healing, and the strength to endure. I thought I would outline some other reasons to inspire you to be brave and vulnerable enough and share your burdens with a friend. Or family member. Or in some cases a complete stranger. Sometimes I have found myself opening up and sharing way too much information to a complete stranger, who generally smiles and gives the obligatory ‘I’m sorry, that sucks’. We are created and designed for connection, for community living and for support via other human beings.

*Emotional Support: Friends are often there to provide emotional support during difficult times. When you open up about your troubles, you allow your friend to empathise with you, offer comfort, and reassure you that you’re not alone in facing your challenges.

*Stress Relief: Keeping your troubles to yourself can lead to increased stress, anxiety and sometimes depression. Sharing with a friend can provide a sense of relief and catharsis, helping you to better manage your emotions and reduce stress levels.

*Different Perspectives: Friends can offer fresh perspectives or a different viewpoint on your problems. They may have experienced similar situations or have insights you have not yet considered. Their perspective can help you see your troubles from a new angle and find potential solutions.

*Problem Solving: Discussing your troubles with a friend can lead to problem-solving considerations. Your friend may offer advice, brainstorm solutions with you, or simply be a sounding board as you work through your issues. This collaborative approach can be invaluable in finding solutions or making decisions.

*Strengthening Relationships: Sharing your troubles with a friend can deepen your bond. It demonstrates trust and vulnerability, which are crucial components of strong, healthy relationships. When you’re open about your struggles, it often encourages reciprocity, and your friend may feel more comfortable confiding in you as well.

*Validation of Feelings: Sometimes, you may doubt the validity of your feelings or concerns. Sharing them with a friend can validate your emotions, reassuring you that what you’re experiencing is normal and understandable. This validation can be comforting and help you process your emotions.

*Sense of Community: Friends are an integral part of your support system and community and when you share your troubles, you tap into the sense of belonging and interconnectedness that comes from knowing others care about your well-being. This can combat feelings of isolation, loneliness and depression.

*Stress Reduction: Holding onto your troubles can lead to chronic stress, which can negatively impact your physical, emotional and mental health. Sharing with a friend can help alleviate this stress, promoting overall well-being.

*Building Trust: Sharing your troubles with a friend is a demonstration of trust. It shows that you trust your friend enough to share your vulnerabilities, which can strengthen your friendship and make it more resilient.

*Preventing Isolation: Keeping your troubles to yourself can lead to isolation and withdrawal from social interactions. Sharing with a friend helps you stay connected to your social network, which is important for maintaining your mental and emotional health.

These tips to sharing your troubles with a friend is essential for emotional well-being, problem-solving, and strengthening your relationships. We humans are all about community and connectedness; without it, society would cease to exist. Sharing your baggage allows you to tap into the support and insights of others, reducing stress and promoting a sense of connectedness within your social circle. I would suggest if you are struggling with dissecting your problems, seek medical advice. Get onto a mental health plan as soon as you can and if need be, access to medication is always an option.

We are all in this together and we are here to do life together. If you can, reach out and connect to someone, even if it is just a smile. Connection is vital to our mental well-being and it is the bridge to happiness.