Why Talking About Your Problems Can Benefit Your Mental Health

By Julie-Ann Sherlock

My bestie Sarah bought me a sign for Christmas one year that said “Friends: cheaper than a psychiatrist“. And she’s not wrong. While I advocate for getting professional help when needed, I fully believe in the adage “a problem shared is a problem halved“. 

That said, I had psychological help to deal with my post-partum depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after an accident. I have seen family and friends benefit significantly from mental health professionals too. So I know, especially in this hectic, frenetic, often-stressful world we inhabit, seeking additional support for your mental health can be a game-changer.

But sometimes, by the time we get to the stage of seeing a counsellor or doctor, too much damage is done, and it can take longer to repair and heal. Some people walk away from therapy or say it doesn’t really work and…