| We all experience various challenges in life. Maybe | | | | with another step you can take to overcome the |
| we have to figure out how make our next rent | | | | challenge - dealing with the emotions associated |
| payment. You may be dealing with depression or | | | | with the problem. For example, at the loss of a |
| anxiety. Perhaps you're having relationship or job | | | | loved one, you need to allow yourself to grieve. |
| issues? A worst-case challenge might be dealing | | | | Holding in emotions is destructive and can cause |
| with the death of a loved one. | | | | additional mental and even physical problems |
| The first step in dealing with any challenge is to | | | | owing to the undue stress. |
| recognize the issue. Recognizing a challenge isn't so | | | | Once you've recognized the challenge, discussed it |
| hard with some issues. For example, you don't | | | | with others, and allowed yourself time to deal |
| need to do a lot of soul searching to realize next | | | | with the emotions corresponding to the challenge, |
| month's rent is due, and you don't have the | | | | it's time to look into solving the problem |
| money for it in the checking account. | | | | associated with the challenge. One way you can |
| Some issues do require recognizing the challenge. | | | | look at solutions is to research how others have |
| Alcoholism is a good example. Most alcoholics live | | | | dealt with similar challenges. |
| in denial and don't recognize the challenges they | | | | Another way might be to ask for assistance with |
| face. Many challenges have negative associations. | | | | finding a solution through either discussing the |
| Who wants to be labeled addicted or an alcoholic? | | | | issue with a professional (medical professional, |
| Even though society seems to have become | | | | clergy, mental health professional, etc.) or with |
| more accepting of such challenges, there's still a | | | | someone who can give you insight into a solution. |
| personally felt stigma to avoid. | | | | Often times, you'll find that a person who is less |
| Once you've recognized the challenge, there are | | | | involved with the challenge can give you a more |
| additional steps you can take to overcome the | | | | apparent perspective on the issue because |
| challenge. One important step is to talk about | | | | they're not emotionally invested in the problem |
| your challenge with others. Discussing your issues | | | | and can think more clearly on the topic. |
| with others has a number of benefits. First off, it | | | | If the challenge is something where you can find a |
| helps define the problem and how it affects you. | | | | practical solution, then you should act on it. There |
| Open discussion can also help you relieve your | | | | are some issues you might not be able to solve |
| own internal stress about the issue. | | | | immediately. For example, you can't do anything |
| Talking about the challenge with others allows you | | | | about the death of a love. You can, however, |
| to get their insight into the issue and potential | | | | look into additional ways to earn money for that |
| solutions to the challenge. If the challenge is a | | | | overdue rent. |
| medical issue or mental health problem, you most | | | | Some issues may be solvable but difficult to |
| definitely will want to talk to a medical | | | | solve. You might not be able to immediately stop |
| professional. For addictions, organizations such as | | | | an addictive behavior, but on the other hand, you |
| Alcoholics Anonymous can help. | | | | can certainly begin the process with the |
| Discussing the issues allows you to follow through | | | | appropriate guidance and behavior changes. |