Sunday Independent (Ireland)

Stop being a lone ranger

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From a very young age, we are taught to go it alone and stay focused on our own path. However, the path of separation is a lonely one indeed. You see, we are not meant to go it alone. We are social creatures, and we actually need the love and support of others to be at our best. The area I see this the most is in the area of mental health and inner pain. I receive daily emails from people who have miscarried, lost a loved one, are struggling with addiction, anxiety and depression, and, for the most part, they are going it alone. We have a deep inner belief that we have failed when we experience life’s challenges, and because of this, we are afraid to ask for help. It can be really hard to carry yourself through a tough time in your life, which is why we need support. During my very dark days, I had great therapists and people who helped to carry me through. Then I had great coaches in UCLA, who were always there for me. After graduation, I had a period where I felt like I couldn’t turn to anyone, certainly not anyone who understood me, and yet again I was reminded of the power of being surrounded by compassion­ate and caring people who can help you through your dark days.

If you are struggling, please know that there is no need to feel shame, or indeed blame yourself for anything you might be going through. Reach out and ask for help, as it will support you to heal and lighten your load. We are not meant to be lone rangers in this life, and there is not one human being who has not experience­d what you are going through in some form.

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