6 Effective Ways To Get Through Tough Times

By Gabrielle Thorpe

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. —Confucius

Everyday is not going to be a great day. Every now and then we have our bad days, weeks, months or even years. But it won’t always be this way. It may seem as though everything is falling apart around you, but amongst the fallen pieces there is always the chance to rebuilding and grow. There will always be better days ahead of you. But you must be willing to endure the hard times and take the initiative in reaching them.

In the article, “Therapists Spill: 14 Ways to Get Through Tough Times by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S.”  There are 14 great ways that therapists recommend you try to help pick yourself back up. A few ways these therapists recommend are to Acknowledge and feel your feelings, “Avoiding your negative emotions may feel like an effective stopgap measure, but in fact it simply postpones, and perhaps escalates and exacerbates, a flood of negative emotion sometime in the future,” said John Duffy, Ph.D. Sometimes it is hard for us to swallow our pride and admit how we are feeling, but in order to start your healing process sometimes this is the first step.

Prioritize self-care, Joyce Marter, LCPC, states that “Self-care is absolutely necessary to survive tough situations.” We must never forget that we come first! Maybe you need that day off to just sit down and relax or evaluate your next step. Or you may even need a spa day to treat yourself and remind you that you are a strong individual who can overcome anything. Loving yourself is a major part to rebuilding.

Limit time with toxic people, Deborah Serani, Psy.D suggests “Spending less time – or no time – with toxic people.” Toxic people are individuals who are not supportive, reliable, or have your best interest at heart. Toxic people do not want to listen to the problems your dealing with or the situations your facing. They might even be critical, judgmental and demanding. Spending time with these individuals usually leaves you feeling shattered, depleted or even worse than you had in the beginning. Getting rid of the toxic individual in your life is imperative.

Take action “If you don’t know what to do, do something,” says Ryan Howes Ph.D. Start planning your next move. Whether it’s what you’re going to do to get yourself out of this funk, or if it’s calling someone who you know will put a smile on your face. Whatever it is do something to start you process of healing.

Talk about it, “When people bottle up challenging situations, the problems grow and mutate into horrible worries and anxieties,” said Howes, Ph.D. Find someone you trust to talk to, maybe that’s a family member, a best friend or even a therapist. You may need a shoulder to cry on and that’s completely normal, sometimes just crying out to someone you trust can make you feel like you are not alone.

Ask for help, Serani Psy. D explains that “We need to relinquish control, ask for help, and receive it with grace” When asking for help, you may also want to seek out the help of a family member, a best friend or a therapist. Let these people know what you need, such as “support and compassion,” and what you don’t need, such as “not criticizing your slowness to heal.”

While you are going through your own trials and tribulations, you should never forget that you are not alone. There are always going to be better day ahead of you. You oversee your own future. The first step is always up to you.

If you feel like you need help to get through your tough times, we can help at True You Southeast.  We can help you find your true potential and turn loneliness and sadness into a more fulfilling life.  You can reach us at 404-800-7586 or through our contact page here.