When facing physical or mental health conditions, it is easy to feel isolated and alone. You may have questions you are scared to ask, or be nervous to seek help. If you find yourself in a situation where you are struggling with your health, it is important to know that you are not alone!
You Aren’t the Only One Struggling
It is very common for teens to struggle with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and skin conditions. There are many health conditions that can come up unexpectedly, a disease that may keep you out of school for a time, an accident that causes surgery or a cast, and any number of health conditions. Just because you cannot see the physical struggles someone has; doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Knowing that you are not the only one struggling can empower you to reach out for help. Seek friends who can build up your confidence and mentors who can offer you the advice you need to get help.
Conditions Don’t Go Away
There are a variety of recurring conditions that may never go away, most conditions do not just heal themselves. For example, 60-80% of childhood atopic dermatitis continues into adulthood. It is important to seek medical assistance to help mitigate your condition. This may sound discouraging, but you can feel hopeful that there is an entire community that you can connect with and seek for help. Medical professionals will be able to treat your symptoms, and adults can give you advice on what remedies have worked for them.
You Don’t Have to Be Lonely
Loneliness is often described as a distressed feeling that comes from a discrepancy between your desired and actual levels of social connectedness. What many do not realize, is that there are hundreds feeling the same level of disconnectedness. Data suggests that chronic loneliness afflicts 15-30% of the general population. Unfortunately, the only way to heal loneliness is to reach out and ask for help. Mentors, doctors, friends and family can be great resources in helping you feel valued and that you are not alone.
Everyone struggles with their health at some point in their life. Mental and physical conditions are very serious and need to be treated. When you are struggling, remember that you are not the only one, conditions do not just go away, and you don’t have to be alone in your struggle.
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