It’s ok to not be ok

Advice and Information - 29 June 2022

How are you, really? Are you ok? Perhaps you can't quite put your finger on it, but you're not feeling like yourself. Are you feeling more tired or more emotional? Maybe you don’t want to do the things that you usually enjoy.
it's ok to not be ok

Signs to look out for

Struggling to cope with everyday life doesn't look, or feel, the same for everyone. Here are a few signs to look out for:

  • lacking energy or feeling tired
  • feeling exhausted all the time
  • experiencing 'brain fog' find it hard to think clearly
  • finding it hard to concentrate
  • feeling restless and agitated
  • feeling tearful, wanting to cry all the time
  • not wanting to talk to or be with people
  • not wanting to do things you usually enjoy
  • using alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings
  • finding it hard to cope with everyday things and tasks
  • experiencing 'burn out'

It's okay. It's common to feel this way.

You're not alone in feeling like this. Many people struggle to cope at one point or another and going through a range of emotions during this time is common.

You are never alone

When people are going through a tough time, they often experience negative thoughts about themselves and feel that they have no one to turn to.

Even if you don’t have family or friends close by, you are never alone.

Samaritans is here for all of us

If you need someone to talk to, you can contact the Samaritans any time day or night.

Call: 116 123

Email: jo@samaritans.org

There are lots of things you can do to help yourself

  • Make time for yourself, relax and do things you enjoy
  • Eat healthily; get plenty of sleep and exercise
  • Spend time with people you love
  • Talk about your problems with people you trust
  • Be proud of what you're good at, as well as aware of what you struggle with
  • Pay attention to what you're feeling

Relaxation Exercises

It might sound simple, but controlled breathing can be a useful tool for feeling calmer quickly and reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. This technique is easy to memorise and can be practised almost anywhere.

All you need to do is:

  • breathe in for four seconds
  • hold your breath for four seconds
  • breathe out for four seconds
  • wait four seconds before repeating

Keep repeating this until you start to feel calmer.

You may already know what triggers your negative thoughts and feelings. If you do, try using this breathing technique if you know you will encounter a certain trigger, or immediately after.

Talk to us

We can point you in the direction of more services that can help you.

We're here to help