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How do you express yourself and find support when no one wants to hear about your problems?

Lifestyle / Date: 03-16-2025

Everyone has problems. No exceptions. Even the person you think is the happiest in the world has difficulties in some (or several) areas of life. Don't think that you suffer alone because that's not true. Don't believe social media either, because it's just a snapshot of everyone's best moments, which also doesn't correspond to reality, at least not completely.

What can help us deal with and even solve our problems is precisely sharing them with people we trust. The problem is that they are not always receptive to listening to us. So what should we do? Continue reading this article and check out some suggestions!

Why is a support network important?

When we share our difficulties with someone we trust, it is as if we relieve the pressure of having that worry only in our mind. In addition, the person who listens to us can contribute to resolving the issue, whether with practical help or with an understanding attitude of emotional support.

As we mentioned, it is also relatively common for others to identify with our own pain . They may have already gone through a similar problem, which creates a sense of identification and a feeling that we are not alone. This process strengthens us and helps us overcome life's challenges with more energy and courage.

How do we find someone who can listen to us?

Unfortunately, people don't always have the time or knowledge to listen to us and help us. In these situations, we feel sad and lonely , but you don't have to put up with that. Below, check out some tips that will help you in this delicate situation.

• Check out the most helpful people

The ideal is to choose a family member, a friend or even a coworker who has shown themselves to be trustworthy. You can turn to someone who has helped you before or who has more experience with the problem you are facing. Choose people with whom you are emotionally open and feel comfortable telling your story.

• Choose a suitable time

In addition to carefully choosing the person who can help you, be careful about the time you choose to talk to them. If the person is having a busy or complicated day, the chances of you getting an unpleasant response increase. So, talk to the person and tell them that you would like to have a private conversation about your life, at a more relaxed time. Then, they will be able to organize themselves to listen to you more calmly and attentively, even over the phone. Be patient.

• Avoid the obvious solutions

When faced with adversity in life, it is common for people to turn to their parents or best friends for advice, which often works. However, depending on the situation you are facing, these “usual” people may not understand you or know how to help you, which can leave you frustrated. In this case, know that you may be surprised by people who were not your first choice. A cousin or a not-so-close friend may be the company you need!

• Be specific and direct

When talking to the person you choose about your difficulties, try to be clear and direct. Communicate openly, without hiding things. Admit your mistakes and difficulties. Don't be afraid to show yourself vulnerable, because the other person also has their own adversities and flaws. Furthermore, be specific, detailing the situation and your feelings so that the person has a deep understanding of your moment. 

• Be open to listening too

Often, an individual outburst can turn into a very rich exchange of experiences and impressions about life. Therefore, in addition to talking, be willing to listen to what the other person has to say — opinions, advice, and even their problems. This reciprocity allows you to both help and be helped. This way, you create an environment that is more conducive to receiving support when you need it.

• Try to write

There are some studies that indicate that we are better able to deal with our thoughts when we write them down on paper. It’s the same logic as when we vent: we “get them out” of our minds, relieving emotional tension and encouraging reasoning to find possible solutions. In this way, writing in a diary can be a very useful way to express your anxieties and even gain more self-knowledge, at least until you can vent to someone.

• Look for support groups

People often feel more comfortable and even more confident when they meet other people who suffer from the same problem. They may be strangers who meet in one place just to share their experiences. There are many such groups, both in the physical world and on internet forums. This exchange of experiences and this identification allow you to vent and listen to other people's complaints, sometimes helping, sometimes being helped.

• Consider professional help

Finally, remember that life issues can be too complex for a friend to talk to. Often, it is best to talk about your situation with a professional who is trained to listen to you and guide you toward a better quality of life. Psychologists, therapists, and counselors provide a safe and confidential space for you to talk about your problems and feelings, where you will not be judged. It is a way to take care of your mental health.

As you can see, you don’t have to feel alone if you think no one can hear you. If you want to vent about your anxieties, you can talk to a friend, write, seek support groups or seek professional help. In any case, there is always someone willing to listen and help you. There is always a solution. Don’t give up!