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How to Talk About What's Bothering You

When something is bothering you, the first sentence may be the hardest. Start with what you notice now, not a complete history of everything that has happened.

Use a beginning sentence

“I have been carrying something and I am not sure how to explain it” is a valid beginning. So is “I keep thinking about what happened yesterday.”

Describe the impact

You can talk about sleep, concentration, energy, relationships, or the moments when the feeling becomes stronger. These details can be easier than naming the emotion immediately.

Take pauses

You can stop, write down a thought, or return later. A useful conversation does not require you to disclose more than you are ready to share.

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