Supporting yourself through tough times
Posted On: December 8, 2024
You are loved. Yes, you!
You don’t know me, but I really do care about you. Other people care about you too, even if you don’t feel that’s true. Your ancestors are with you too. Please, hold on. This storm of emotion will pass through you. Breathe.
You aren't crazy, you are hurting.
Find a safe person to talk to and if that person can’t help or doesn’t have the tools, seek out another person, and another. Text or call them and let them know you need their help. Text or call 1737 to speak to a trained counsellor. More helplines are listed on this resource, so please hold on.
You are worth more than you know.
Don’t believe that negative voice or feeling because it’s scared and needs a hug, a cry, and a safe space to process these thoughts and emotions. Over time, you will find out that your darkness and hurt is afraid of your light. Please stay here with us, because it does get better.
You are a blessing, not a burden.
Once again, don’t believe what your negative thoughts are telling you. Here are a couple of simple techniques to try. They helped me, and they might help you too.
• Breathe in for two seconds, hold for two seconds, release for two seconds. And repeat.
• Find five things you can see. Find four things you can touch. Find three things you can hear. Find two things you can smell. Find one thing you can taste. Repeat this to help ground yourself.
Anger is fear and fear is anger.
Your emotions and wairua (spirit) are swirling, so breathe and allow yourself to cry and ask for help. It’s okay to not be okay. And it’s okay to get the help you need. Please don’t hurt yourself or someone else. Speak to someone you trust.
Crying is always better than dying. Breathe and release the hurt.
Tears are cleansing and wash away old hurts. Practice talking the hurt into the light with someone you trust. Find a safe place, or person to be with. You are not alone. You are loved.
If your environment is unsafe, find a safe place.
Let people you trust know where you are or where you are going. Why? Because you are loved and people care about you.
Rest and get the sleep you need. Keep breathing.
Ground yourself with food and know this feeling will pass. Drink water which will flow through your body and refresh you mentally, physically and spiritually. Remember, you are allowed help because you are already good enough. Yes, you. I’m still here, and I’m truly grateful that you are too. Arohanui, much respect to you because you are worth it and people do care about you.
