Struggling mentally/physically; helps available

Katie Shomo, Prevention of Child Abuse Council
Huntington County Member
Struggling, mentally and/or physically, can feel isolating, even when you’re surrounded by people. It’s easy to convince yourself to push through, to minimize what you’re feeling, or to wait until things become unbearable before asking for help. Support is not something you have to earn by reaching a breaking point, though; it’s something you deserve the moment things start to feel heavy.

Your mental and physical health are deeply connected. When your mind is overwhelmed, your body often carries that weight through exhaustion, tension, illness, or changes in sleep and appetite. We’ve found that when your body isn’t well, it can affect your mood, your energy, and your ability to cope. Paying attention to both is a sign that you’re listening to yourself in a way that matters. Reaching out for help can feel uncomfortable, especially if you’re used to handling things on your own. You might worry about being judged, dismissed, or misunderstood. Those fears can feel valid, but they don’t have to keep you from getting the care you need. There are people and places in your community whose purpose is to support you without judgment, to listen, and to help you find a way forward.

Local resources can be a powerful starting point. This might look like a primary care physician who can help you understand physical symptoms that haven’t felt quite right. It could be a therapist where you can talk openly and honestly about what you’re carrying. Many communities offer support groups, school or workplace counselors, and community health centers that provide care on a sliding scale or at low cost. Even reaching out to a trusted local organization or hotline can connect you to someone who understands and can guide you toward the right support.

If you’re not sure where to begin, start small. Make a phone call. Send an email. Ask a question. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you reach out. There are people and places to meet you exactly where you are, not where you think you should be.

There is also strength in letting the people around you in. A friend, family member, or trusted person in your life may not have all the answers, but they can stand beside you as you take those first steps. You are not meant to navigate everything alone, even if it sometimes feels that way. Taking a step towards help doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with you. It means you’re choosing to care for yourself in a real and meaningful way. It means you’re recognizing that your well-being, both mentally and physically, is important enough to prioritize.

If you’ve been holding things in, consider this your reminder: you don’t have to carry it all by yourself. Support is closer than it may feel, and reaching for it can make a difference, not just in how you feel today, but in how you move forward from here. For local resources, please visit: 2025resourcelist.pdf.

About Prevent Child Abuse Indiana: Prevent Child Abuse Indiana (PCAIN) is dedicated to being the leading voice for preventing child abuse in all its forms across Indiana. We fulfill this mission by raising awareness, educating communities about solutions, serving as a trusted resource for families and organizations, advocating for stronger prevention policies, and fostering a statewide network committed to protecting children.