May FAQ — Challenges With My Mental Health, Unsure Of What To Do
One Friday each month, I dedicate the post to looking at some questions I have heard recently from developing leaders. Sharing those questions and my thoughts for them is a way for me to spread the information to as many leaders and future leaders as possible. If you have a question about leadership, or just a situation you would like some additional insight on, please email me at Effective Retail Leader. Let’s take a look at this week’s question.
I think I am having challenges with my mental health, I am not sure what I should do
Your health and well-being are too important to ignore when something feels off. Asking this question takes courage. Good for you for putting it out there and seeking help. That first step matters.
There’s probably not just one answer. Mental health can be complex, and only you really know what feels off and why it’s bothering you. But there are a few simple places to start that can make a big difference.
Start by Noticing
Before anything else, try to name what’s been going on. Don’t try to name it like a doctor would or do a lot of online research. Just notice what feels different. Are you more tired than usual? Has something shifted at work or in your personal life? Does your calendar give you instant anxiety when you look at it? Are you shorter with people than you want to be?
Try to write down what you’ve been feeling, when it started, and what you think might be connected. Even if you’re not sure, take a guess. These notes will help you recognize patterns. And they’ll help others support you, too. If you speak to someone, they’ll likely ask some of these questions. Being able to share how you’ve really been feeling is a powerful step toward finding relief.
Explore What Might Be Triggering It
Go back through the most recent days or weeks. What’s been weighing on you? What felt different from usual? Sometimes the source is clear. Maybe you have a big project coming up, and the pressure has been building. Maybe your location or market isn’t performing like it normally does, and you’re worried about what that means.
This can hit especially hard if you’re used to being a top performer. That shift alone can create a lot of stress and second-guessing. Talking to someone about it can help. Naming it can help. Getting it out of your head and into a conversation starts to move the weight.
Acknowledge the Pressure You’re Under
There are a lot of unique pressures in the world right now. Uncertainty is everywhere. For many people, this is the first time they’ve had to navigate this kind of prolonged mental weight. The mix of global events, personal responsibilities, work challenges, and just everyday life can pile up. And your response to those things won’t be the same as anyone else’s. Don’t compare.
If watching the news or reading social media is adding to the problem, consider stepping back. I’ll speak from my own experience here. I like to stay aware of what’s going on in the world, but I’ve pulled back from watching every headline or reading every opinion. I try to stay informed without being overwhelmed. I look for facts, stay current, and then move on. You may need a different approach. But whatever works for you, it’s worth talking through with someone.
Where to Turn for Support
If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few options that can help you take the next step:
Talk to trusted friends or family. Saying it out loud to someone who cares can be a huge release.
Ask your doctor/general practioner. They can help you evaluate what’s going on and refer you to someone who can help. You likely already have a relationship with your normal physician, they can help guide you to who will be able to support you best.
Check with your employer. Many companies offer free, confidential Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). These programs can be a tremendous help. They are often free and a great place to start. These are confidential, so you do not need to worry about them speaking to your employer.
Look into community clinics. Many offer therapy services on a sliding scale based on income.
Reach out to national resources:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 (24/7, confidential)
SAMHSA Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for mental health and substance use support
Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741
It can feel awkward at first, especially if you’re not used to asking for help. But these are real people, trained to listen, support, and guide you to the next step.
Stick With It
It is absolutely critical, though, that you recognize that your feelings are real. They are not something for you to “just get over.” You need to address the feelings, and asking for help is such a huge step. Stick with this. Getting to “better” where your mental health is concerned should be your priority right now. You don’t have to shut down the rest of your life, but stick with your search for answers. If the help you receive at first isn’t addressing what you’re feeling, try new things. Reach out to different people. Ask more questions. Don’t stop until you feel the way you want to feel. Feeling better is worth the effort. You are worth it.
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