Difficult Conversations (I'm not okay)

Some of the most important conversations we need to have are the ones that feel almost impossible to start.

Talking about how you’re really doing.
Asking for what you need.
Explaining the things no one can see.

You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Let’s make space for those hard-but-human moments and make them feel a little less scary.

Being open with someone you love doesn’t mean having it all figured out.
You don’t need a “perfect” way to explain what’s going on.

What matters most?
Honesty over clarity. Connection over solutions.

Try starting with:

“I’ve been struggling lately, and I’m still working out how to talk about it. But I want you to know because you matter to me.”

You can look over our helpful scripts for some extra pointers.

There’s no perfect approach that makes this easy, but there are gentle ways to open up.

If someone asks, “How are you?” and you want to be honest but are feeling apprehensive, try:

“I’ve been having a hard time, actually. I’m not looking for advice — I just wanted to share.”

Or:

“I’m not okay right now. I don’t need fixing, but I could use a little support.”

(GPs, therapists, school counsellors, etc.)

You are allowed to speak up.
You’re allowed to ask for clarity, to say when something isn’t working, or to request a second opinion.

Here’s a few gentle starters:

When things aren’t feeling helpful:

“I’m finding it hard to connect with this approach. Can we explore other options?”

When you’re overwhelmed:

“I’m struggling to put words to what I’m feeling. Would it be okay if I brought in some notes?”

When you're not being heard:

“I’m not feeling understood right now. I’d like to slow down and explain again.”

These conversations are brave.
Not because they’re perfectly worded, but because you’re showing up in them at all.

You don’t have to say it all.
You don’t have to get it “right.”

You just have to begin.