The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines help; to “make it easier for (someone) to do something by offering one’s services or resources.” Mental health screening and treatment can dramatically improve someone’s quality of life, though there is often still a very strong resistance to the idea of reaching out for help or assistance in what one is struggling with.
We ask others for help with yard work, carrying in groceries, babysitting, and paying a bill. Many times, if we feel sick, or we are physically hurt we seek out the assistance of a doctor. So why is it, that we struggle in asking for help if you feel something is wrong with our relationships or with our moods (depressed or anxious)?
For some, asking for help with general day to day tasks can be anxiety producing. Asking for help with mental illness or relationship difficulties can be even harder. Some people feel that they can handle anything by themselves, some feel that asking for help with mental issues means you are weak. Just the opposite is true. Asking for help is a sign of strength, it takes a strong person to admit, even to themselves, that they cannot handle things on their own.
You are not alone. There are other people in the world dealing with issues similar to you. Everyone needs help from time to time and there is nothing wrong with asking for it. In counseling, help can look like:
– Processing an event or healing from a traumatic experience
– Improving communication skills
– Providing a new perspective
– Improving social skills or peer relationship
– Developing new coping skills or healthy ways of handling problems or feelings.
You are not superman (or superwoman). You do not have to do everything by yourself! Allow your friends, family and community to lift you up. We encourage and challenge you to seek out help, whether it’s with a simple day to day task (like reaching a high self) or something more serious. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help.
