Question 1

Disordered Eating: Do I Have an Eating Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Eating issues can manifest themselves in many different ways, but there are two extremes: Some people are living on the obsessive side, such as constantly worrying about their weight, meticulously counting calories, compulsively exercising and/or living in fear of eating the wrong thing. Other people struggle with chaotic, out-of-control eating — especially in response to stress or emotional upset – and/or lack any structure or regularity of meals. Many people fall somewhere in between, leaning one way or the other, while others swing back and forth between the two extremes such as with yo-yo dieting. Does any of this sound familiar?

Question 2

How to Stop My Porn Addiction?

Accepted Answer

As long as your addiction to pornography remains a secret, you will continue to be in your addiction. You’ve got to find somebody you can tell your story to, who will mentor you and hold you accountable and talk with you. There are certain triggers that happen when you turn to porn, and you need to find out what those triggers are.

Question 3

How Do I Know if I Love a Narcissist?

Accepted Answer

Having a relationship with a narcissist is not impossible, but because it is so difficult, you will likely feel healthier distancing yourself from narcissistic people. Knowing the signs of narcissism and understanding its impact in relationships might keep you from getting trapped in a toxic relationship. If you are trying to understand whether or not you love a narcissist, pay attention to how the relationship makes you feel, and to their patterns of behavior. Here are some things to look for if you are wondering whether the person you love is a narcissist.

Question 4

7 Ways to See the Positive Side of Quarantine

Accepted Answer

You can acknowledge the sadness of Coronavirus and the difficult emotions it brings. But it’s important not to despair or give up hope. There are mindset changes you can make to find the silver lining in taking safety precautions and spending more time at home.

Question 5

Am I Weak if My Depression Gets Worse After Watching the News?

Accepted Answer

Watching the 24-hour news cycle does more than cause temporary stress, it can actually cause mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and even PTSD if we don’t set healthy boundaries around news intake. Self-care is important to keep your mental illness from getting worse. Learn how to balance awareness and rest.

Question 6

How Do I Help My Friend with Addiction Without Breaking Their Trust?

Accepted Answer

Having a friend with an addiction is tough. Their addictive behaviors cause them additional pain, because addiction does nothing to heal the pain that drives them to drink, use drugs, or harm themselves in other ways. Your support doesn’t mean you have to stop their addiction or make them complete their recovery. It just means you have to continue to be a true friend, as they always have been, so they know someone is there encouraging them in their recovery when things get tough. Here are some suggestions for how you can do that.

Question 7

Are More People Depressed During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Accepted Answer

While you may have struggled with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or suicidal thoughts before the pandemic, you may also be among the many people for whom mental health issues have gotten worse since isolating and social distancing. You are not alone, and there are many options when it comes to treatment and resources.

Question 8

How To Deal with Anger

Accepted Answer

When we get angry, it can be difficult to control it. Have you yelled, broken something, or said something you regretted out of anger? These mistakes are part of being human. It can be difficult to manage our strong feelings, especially when we feel hurt, or when we feel like an injustice has been done. The step to controlling your anger is understanding it. Here are some healthy ways to manage your feelings of anger.

Question 9

10 Ways to Reduce Negativity in Your Life

Accepted Answer

The world can be a dark place and if we let it, this darkness can take over our thought patterns. If we don't change these negative thought patterns they can begin to control our lives, controlling our words and actions, feelings and emotions. They can affect our peace and happiness. This can lead to depression, sadness, anger and self-esteem issues. So how do we reduce the negativity in our lives to get to a place of hope and positivity? We hope these 10 ideas will help you start on the path to overcoming the negativity that may be present in your life.

Question 10

How Do We Pray for Peace in Difficult Times?

Accepted Answer

The world isn’t a very peaceful place. Wars seem to always be raging, environmental disasters force people to evacuate their homes, and there seems to be more political and social upheaval now than at any time in recent history. This lack of peace around us can soon become a lack of peace within us. Praying for peace is one way we can regain a sense of calm in the face of fear and uncertainty. It can also help us to become a more peaceful presence in the lives of people around us.  So what do we do? How do we pray for peace in difficult times?

Question 11

What Can I Do if My Sibling is Cutting Themselves?

Accepted Answer

If you have a sibling cutting themselves, it’s completely understandable that you are fearful or concerned about their self-harm. I know it comes from a place of love, and I hope you see how powerful and meaningful that is. When you are ready to have a conversation with your sibling it is important to not judge or shame. Then ask a lot of questions and listen well.  Here are more ideas about how to have this important conversation and give you a greater sense of hope for your sibling, their well-being, and your relationship.

Question 12

How Can I Ever Love Someone After I’ve Been Raised by a Narcissist?

Accepted Answer

"Here are some steps I've counseled people to take to help them learn to love and trust others after growing up around narcissistic abuse.

1. Understand Your Triggers
2. Distinguish the New Person in Your Life from the Narcissist
3. Give Yourself Time
4. Ask for What You Need
5. Learn to Love Yourself
6. Get Extra Support"

Question 13

Bible Verses About God Accepting Everyone

Accepted Answer

“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:32) Have you ever thought, "God could never love me. I've messed up too bad. My sins are too big. I am too ashamed. I am too broken." But God says throughout the Bible that He welcomes everyone who comes to Him. The Bible is full of verses that talk about God accepting everyone.

Question 14

18 Bible Verses About Fear &#8211; Help When You Feel Afraid

Accepted Answer

"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you" (Deut 31:6). God is always with us, and there are many Bible verses for help when you feel afraid, worried, or uncertain about the future.

Question 15

15 Ways To Distract Yourself From Self-Harm

Accepted Answer

If you struggle with self-harm, you can find healthy distractions right now:
If you cut or self-injure to express pain or intense emotion:
1. Try painting or drawing
2. Keep a journal to write about your thoughts and feelings
3. Write a poem or song
Get more tips for stopping the urge to cut right away.

Question 16

Depression Self-Care Checklist

Accepted Answer

If you’ve been through a difficult time, it is normal to feel sad. After all, you may not be able to avoid every instance of depression, even when you have healthy coping strategies. But you may be able to avoid triggering the worsening of depressive symptoms by (1.) taking any meds prescribed as directed, (2.) staying physically active, (3.) having a plan to avoid substance abuse or addictive behavior, and (4.) understanding what events, people, or places set off intense depressive symptoms in the past and avoiding them in the future. Check out this checklist that includes more tips for overcoming.

Question 17

Don&#8217;t Lose Hope In Tough Times. There Is More.

Accepted Answer

When you're losing hope, it's not always helpful to have someone tell you what to do or explain where you went wrong. You need someone to listen, to be there for you, and to remind you that you were created for a purpose. I rediscovered my sense of hope in a dark time by talking with a HopeCoach.

Question 18

How Can I Make Loneliness Go Away?

Accepted Answer

Overcoming loneliness is a process, not a one-time decision. Each day, it’s important to remind yourself of your worth. You are lovable and worthy of love, and you have people in your life who are ready and willing to affirm that. Reaching out to people for support helps a lot, too. Start with friends and family you trust. Let them know how you’re feeling. If you want to spend time with them, ask. People care and will do what they can to help.

Question 19

Mental Health: 5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Mood

Accepted Answer

Fighting depression can be tough, especially when it seems to take away your motivation. But there is always hope. We have seen great results when people develop daily habits that include (1.) remembering what and who they are grateful for, (2.) prayer and meditation, (3.) physical activity they enjoy, and (4.) talking to someone they trust.

Question 20

How to Cling to God in the Midst of Anxiety and Worrying

Accepted Answer

When I was struggling with anxiety, I remembered what 1 Peter said, "Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you". I realized God was already there with me, waiting patiently for me to realize just how much He loves me. Enough to wait, hand outstretched, for years. He would have waited for me until my dying breath.

Question 21

Mental Health Help: My Heartbreak Feels Overwhelming

Accepted Answer

Since our hearts get broken for many reasons, there may not be one right way to deal with heartbreak. In general, it’s good to admit how you feel and to give yourself time and space to explore your feelings. If you feel overwhelmed by heartbreak, you don’t have to struggle alone. Talk to someone.

Question 22

Suicide: Giving Life Another Chance

Accepted Answer

I’ve talked to many people, of all ages, and from all backgrounds, who have recovered from suicidal thoughts. And I’ve reconnected with my own sense of purpose after struggling through dark times. What helps most? Remembering people who love you, and things about your life you enjoy. Remembering there’s only one you, and that just your being you brings happiness to others. Sometimes, even with this encouragement, it’s still hard. If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or find yourself making plans, U.S. residents can call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text “START” to 741741. If you love outside of the United States, contact the International Crisis Center in your home country. Here are the reasons to Give Life Another Chance.

Question 23

25 Grounding Techniques for Panic Attacks

Accepted Answer

If you're having a panic attack, you can take steps to relieve it.
1. Run cold water over your hands, between your fingers, over the backs, cup the water, etc.
2. Rub a cotton ball between your thumb and finger. What sensation do you get? Rub it on your face or arm. How does it feel now?
3. Stand barefoot in the grass/dirt/carpet. 
Get 22 more tips.

Question 24

Self-Care: Can What You Eat or Drink Affect Your Mental Health?

Accepted Answer

Practicing self-care is about nurturing your well-being. Eating well, getting enough rest, and drinking plenty of water are great ways to take care of your body. You also want to be sure you are caring for your emotional and spiritual needs, too. That could mean meeting with a faith community, meditating, or talking with a counselor. No matter what your self-care routine, nurturing yourself is a great choice.

Question 25

31 Tips to Boost Your Mental Health

Accepted Answer

Practicing is a great way to think of it. Doing small things to improve your mental health every day is a great idea. There are many ways you can start to boost your mental health every single day.

Question 26

Bible Verses About Liars &#8211; What Does the Bible Say?

Accepted Answer

"The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy" (Prov 12:22). Understanding why lying is a sin means we also trust God to protect our hearts and relationships with his laws. God also blesses honesty and truthfulness with peace in our hearts and minds.

Question 27

Breaking Free from Self-Harm

Accepted Answer

Many people first began self-harm as an attempt to control and manage their pain. Often they are burdened by an emotional pain that they don’t know how to deal with and so they cover it up with physical pain. But self-harm quickly becomes an addictive behavior for many because it provides a false feeling of release without solving the problem or providing any true healing. Learn more from this personal story.

Question 28

Bible Verses for Depression &#8211; Get Help from God

Accepted Answer

"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." (Psalm 56:8) God cares about you, and He can handle all the painful emotions that come with depression and the challenges of mental illness. There are many Bible verses that can encourage people with depression, and help lift your spirits.

Question 29

Resisting The Urge To Cut Yourself

Accepted Answer

Sometimes resisting the urge to cut or harm yourself can boil down to finding a healthy distraction when you feel that urge:
- Call a friend or meet them in person. 
- Take a shower.
- Exercise 
- Play with a pet. 
- Watch television or a non-violent, healthy movie.
- Make yourself a sandwich, drink a glass of water or a cup of hot chocolate.
Get more tips at TheHopeLine.

Question 30

How Can I Find Hope?

Accepted Answer

"When you have a hard time finding hope, remember these four truths about yourself and your life:

- Things will get better.
- You have a purpose to fulfill.
- There is a plan for your life.
- You are cared for.

If you're losing hope, finding encouraging ways to remember these things can get you back on track. Learn more. . ."

Question 31

Eating and Body Image Issues &#8211; Find Healthy Balance

Accepted Answer

Eating disorder treatment varies from person to person. In general, you need lots of support. We recommend staying in touch with your doctor, your mental health professional, and people you trust to help you in your recovery.  It is also helpful to be aware of healthy goals you can strive for to find a healthy balance with your eating.

Question 32

Bible Verses About Suicidal Thoughts &#8211; Get Hope from God

Accepted Answer

God is a God of hope! If you have suicidal thoughts, He loves you and wants you to choose life,“Today I have given you the choice between life and death. . .Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!" (Duet 30:19-20). Learn what the Bible says about suicidal thoughts and get help now.

Question 33

Bible Verses About Hurting Yourself &#8211; Find Hope

Accepted Answer

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10) Self-harm can steal your health and cutting destroys your happiness. There are many Bible verses that remind us how much God loves us, and how trusting in Him can bring us peace, hope, and healing from self-harm.

Question 34

Bible Verses for Self-Acceptance When You Hate Yourself

Accepted Answer

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:10, NLT) How does it make you feel to know that you are God's masterpiece? If you struggle with hating yourself, these Bible verses can help you learn to love yourself again.

Question 35

Bible Verses About Anxiety &#8211; Get Help from God

Accepted Answer

There's a lot of advice about anxiety out there. But what does the Bible say about being anxious? "Cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7) Anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of, but if we don't give our worry and anxiety to God, we can get overwhelmed by anxious thoughts.

Question 36

10 Tips To End Loneliness

Accepted Answer

"Here are 10 tips to deal with loneliness:

1. Realize It's Not Unusual 
2. Get Motivated to Connect with Others.
3. Identify Your Thought Patterns
4. Use Alone Time Wisely 
5. Get Offline
6. Don't Miss the Positives
7. Break Habits of Loneliness 
8. Focus on Others
9. Develop Realistic Expectations
10. Remember You're Never Truly Alone

Learn more and find support."

Question 37

Why Do You Hate Yourself?

Accepted Answer

Hating yourself is a common emotion. It’s so tragic to hear someone say, "I hate myself". But deep down, many people do. Do you hate yourself? If so, it isn't because you're a bad person. You're worthy of love, and you can repair your self-esteem and sense of worth. You don't have to stay stuck in a cycle of self-loathing.

Question 38

Disordered Eating

Accepted Answer

Because eating disorders are an attempt to control your body and your relationship with food, they can easily become addictive behaviors that make you feel trapped in a cycle of overeating, starvation, binging, and purging. But you’re not trapped – and there is always hope. Here's what it's like from Maddie's perspective.

Question 39

How to Manage Your Anger

Accepted Answer

Controlling anger can be difficult, especially when we or someone we love has been treated unjustly. Acknowledging your anger and having some healthy coping mechanisms in place can keep things from getting out of hand. You may try things like meditation, deep breathing, or talking a walk. If you don’t know who to talk to about your anger, or are worried your anger may cause you to hurt yourself or someone you love, we are here for you.

Question 40

The End of My Grieving Process

Accepted Answer

We’ve talked to a lot of people about grief and many of them say that simply having someone there to sit with them and listen to them share their feelings helps counter the isolation they often feel. Others say it helps to have daily time to remember the loved one they lost. And some have found solace in physical activity, spiritual communities, or exploring a hobby or interest. Everyone’s grief is different and you can find peace on your grief journey.

Question 41

How to Understand Someone in Grief

Accepted Answer

The steps (or stages) of grief include (1.) denial and isolation, (2.) anger, (3.) bargaining, (4.) depression, and (5.) acceptance. While these steps are usually mentioned in a list, they don’t happen in the same order for everyone, and some people may not ever experience all of them. The stages are a good tool for understanding feelings of grief, but everyone’s grief is different.

Question 42

5 Amazing Reasons Why You Matter

Accepted Answer

Sometimes you feel like you are not good enough, perhaps because of certain challenges that may make you give into self-doubt and self-hatred. The good news is you are not alone; we all have moments like that in our lives. If you've lost your self-worth and confidence, here are some ways to remember you matter.

Question 43

How Do You Deal with Being Abandoned?

Accepted Answer

"Here are steps you can take to face neglect and abandonment and begin to heal:

- Understand What Abandonment and Neglect Are
- Don't Cover Your Pain or Try Numbing It with Unhealthy Choices
- Remember It's Not Your Fault
- Learn to Forgive
- Look for a Mentor
- Reach Out to Get Immediate Needs Met

If you've been abandoned, get support now."

Question 44

PTSD and Suffering: Each Person&#8217;s Trauma is Different

Accepted Answer

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be difficult and exhausting. You may experience mood swings, feelings of heightened anxiety or panic, or flashbacks to traumatic events that make you feel like you’re reliving them. As a result of these difficult and often unexpected symptoms, you may feel isolated or lonely.

Question 45

6 Self-Help Skills for Coping With PTSD

Accepted Answer

"You can't prevent all PTSD flashbacks, but you can calm them down. Here are some effective coping skills for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

- Take some deep breaths. 
- Relax the muscles in your body.
- Take good care of yourself.
- Ground yourself during a flashback.
- Know when to ask for help.

You're not alone and help is available."

Question 46

Mental ILLNESS is NOT Mental WEAKNESS

Accepted Answer

"Mental Illness can take on many forms: 

Depression and suicidal thoughts, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bi-polar, and many more.

It’s time to educate ourselves about chemical imbalances in the brain: mental illnesses. If we see it as a disease of the brain just like lung cancer is a disease of the lungs and arthritis is inflammation of the joints, maybe the stigma will go away."

Question 47

The Do&#8217;s (And Don&#8217;ts) When Your Friend Is Battling Depression

Accepted Answer

In this guest post, Megan Prins (HeartSupport) shares what she has learned about how to help a friend with depression (and what isn't helpful when someone is depressed). Rather than empty, positive thoughts and words, people with depression need validation, active listening, and time and space to work through their struggles. You can also offer to help them find support.

Question 48

How to Deal with Anxiety, You Can&#8217;t Just Toughen Up

Accepted Answer

Getting rid of anxiety is more about learning to manage it through effective coping strategies. There will always be something to cause us stress in life, but with the right support, anxiety doesn’t have to control us. Depending on how severe or prolonged your symptoms are, you may consider an evaluation by a doctor or therapist to see if treatment or medication would help. In general, physical activity, minimal caffeine, hydration, hobbies, quiet time, and meditation have all benefited people we have mentored.

Question 49

PTSD: What Is It and Do I Have It?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of PTSD can include sudden increase in heart rate, rapid breathing or difficulty catching your breath, fear, panic, despair, and anxiety, with changes in mood happening suddenly after a stress trigger. The most common and pronounced symptom of PTSD is flashbacks, which make you feel like you’re reliving a harmful or traumatic experience. The good news is that there are plenty of effective treatments for PTSD that your doctor and therapist can recommend.

Question 50

Help, My Friend Is Cutting

Accepted Answer

It's natural to want to help a friend who is cutting or harming themselves, but you can't just throw out facts and figures and think a cutter is going to be instantly convinced to stop. That's because the reasons why people cut are complicated, cutters are usually covering up a deeper emotional pain. Here are some ways to think and talk about cutting with your friend.

Question 51

Why Do People Cut Themselves?

Accepted Answer

"It's natural to wonder why people cut themselves. Everyone's situation is different, but here are some common reasons

- Covering an Even Deeper Emotional Pain from Trauma or Abuse
- Covering or Acting on Self-Hate
- Trying to Express or Release Intense Emotions They Can't Talk About
- To Avoid Dealing with Emotions That Scare Them or Cause Them Pain

You can get help to stop cutting yourself, starting here."

Question 52

Using Your Anger For Good

Accepted Answer

Anger may seem like a “bad” emotion, but there are plenty of good reasons to feel angry, especially when you or someone you care about has been hurt. Healthy relationships are not free from all anger. Rather, feelings of anger are just expressed and managed in productive ways.

Question 53

What to Do if You Want To Kill Yourself &#038; Feel Suicidal

Accepted Answer

If you feel suicidal, you can get help right now. You can call or chat with the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org anytime, day or night. Your contract for life partner is someone to call when you're struggling with suicidal thoughts that can help you remember your safety plan, and put it into practice.

Question 54

How To Help A Suicidal Friend

Accepted Answer

If you think your friend is suicidal, here are some of the signs to watch for. A suicidal friend may: 
- Talk about suicide, death, and/or having no reason to live
- Withdraw from friends or social activities
- Try to give away things they value most
Knowing the signs of suicidal thoughts may help you support your friend as they find healing and support.

Question 55

What Happens To Your Body When You Cut?

Accepted Answer

It seems that self-harm or cutting have become as popular as drugs or alcohol as a way to try to cover pain. Cutting also seems to be destroying lives in the same way as other addictions do. Knowing what cutting does to the body is a first step for many on the road to recovering from self-harm.

Question 56

How to Stop Abandonment Issue from Ruining Your Life?

Accepted Answer

It can be really tough to face feelings of abandonment, especially when they impact our relationships. Know that there is hope. Situations can change and relationships can heal. You show courage by sharing your feelings and owning your feelings and discovering why you act and react the way you do. You are not alone. You are valued and significant to many.

Tips to Understand and How To Improve Mental Health

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