Take Stock of the Warnings You've Had
A reflection on what your partner, your doctor and your body have already told you, and what the next warning would be.
An Iroko Health tool, drawing on motivational interviewing, which helps you sort out your own reasons for change.
What this can look like
It wasn't your idea. Your partner said you've changed. Your doctor asked about stress. You've been telling yourself it's fine.
Why it happens
People who handle things themselves often don't notice how much they're carrying until someone else names it. By then the signs have usually been there for a while. Waiting means the decision gets made for you, by a partner who's had enough or a body that forces a stop.
How to use it
15 minutes
Write down what each one has already told you: your partner, your doctor, your body. Use their words where you remember them. Then write what the next warning would be if nothing changes.
Afterwards, ask yourself
What would it mean to make this decision yourself, instead of having it made for you?
This tool is one small place to start. You might know what you want to change and still find it hard to do, or hard to put into words what comes up. That's normal. It's a big part of the work in counselling: getting to the bottom of what's happening, so it's easier to say and easier to change.
If this keeps happening
When the same thing keeps coming back, it's usually a pattern rather than a bad week. Understanding what sets it off, and practising a different response, is something we work on often in counselling.
This page is general information. It isn't a diagnosis or a replacement for therapy.
If you're thinking about ending your life or you're in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 in Canada, or call 911.
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}