The power of being "heard"

 I've spent the last 5-6 weeks in complete crisis. I've sank lower and lower when I didn't think things could get any worse. I've asked for help over and over and been refused. I've been told I just need to get through it on my own. Been sent home absolutely distraught and unable to breathe for crying.

In the last week I have had two separate assessments. And in both of these I was simply heard by professionals.  Nothing has changed. Nothing is any different in my life. All the triggers and stress and pressure is still there. But I was truly heard. The professionals helped me to feel safe and calm in the situation and were open to listening to me, truly listening to me and hearing what I was saying. They saw the person in front of them in pain and gave her the space she needed. 

I'm now hopefully, finally getting some more support. 

But right now that almost doesn't matter. I feel better. I feel lighter. I feel like I've shared the burden and some of it has been lifted from me simply by being heard. What I said mattered to them and they really wanted to listen and take it in and check with me they understood by repeating things to back with me. They were caring and empathetic. They gave me the time to speak, time to be upset if I needed to and gather my thoughts. 

I wish all mental health professionals could read this and know that this is all we ask for. To be heard. The amount of times I've had assessments or conversations with workers when its clear they aren't going to help me at all and no matter what I say or how I present they have already decided that. Its so obvious in how they come across. Closed, dismissive, rushing me through the conversation. Not seeing the human sat in front of them but an impression of me already made by others on my notes. And not hearing me.

All we need is to be heard. I feel like I've been given some power to fight this battle when I am simply, truly heard.

After writing this and searching for a suitable quote or image for this post I found this. And this has just made it so much more. This is it. The professionals that make me feel heard are caring and warm and empathetic, I feel a calm and content when I'm heard.