Acknowledge
The first step sometimes is very hard to do because we always (or our families, friends always) perceive ourselves to be strong, resilient, and capable of managing our own issue. But we have limits. Even we want to be superheros, we are not equipped with everything to solve all the problems by ourselves. As an international person, external factors will influence our behaviour, thoughts, and moods and we may not be able to control them.
It sometimes can also be difficult if your own culture does not talk about mental well-beings or even reject the notion of it. Our parents or teachers may have never show or express the importance of emotion, compassion, self-care. |
But this does not mean that we will not receive emotional support or the feelings we are having now are wrong. Now that we are aboard and being an independent individual, bold and confident enough to explore another country and culture, we are able to gain our own thoughts about the wold , to rethink our values, existences, and our relationship with others. This all include our understanding of our emotions.
Thus, if you feel that there is something (feelings, thoughts, emotions, moods) that are beyond your control, and is affecting your regular function of life for a while, think about - what is it, are you absolutely certain that you understand and can handle it correctly and in a healthy, non self-harming way? If you hesitate for a second, move on to step 2. |