An estimated 1 in 5 Americans lives with a mental health disorder. Unfortunately, about 50% of them never receive help. While lack of access to affordable mental health services is a problem for some, others have trouble asking for help. This is understandable. It can be difficult to reach out for help — especially when facing a mental health issue, such as anxiety, depression or PTSD. But getting treatment can change your life. If you’ve said to yourself, “I think I need help,” don’t hesitate — reach out for help today.
Keep reading to find out what might be holding you back from getting support and how to ask for help with mental health.
Challenging the Stigma Around Mental Health Support
Despite significant improvements in building awareness, a stigma and misunderstanding still surround mental health. Many don’t understand what a mental health disorder is. For example, some people don’t recognize depression and anxiety as mental health issues. The problem is that if these disorders go left untreated, they can significantly impact your personal and work life.
Another myth some believe is that having a mental health disorder is a sign of weakness. This is a false narrative. Mental health disorders arise for several reasons, such as genetics, trauma and life experiences. None of these has anything to do with weakness. In fact, identifying signs of a potential mental health disorder and reaching out for help indicates courage and self-awareness.
You may even have some self-stigma around mental health treatment. You may say to yourself “I need help mentally” but feel shame about asking for support. Perhaps you blame yourself for your condition, or maybe you have low self-esteem and believe you’re not worthy of support. None of these thoughts is true. Nothing you did caused a mental health issue, but you can reach out for help. Everyone deserves support.
The Strength in Vulnerability
Another factor that may be holding you back from getting help is fear — fear of the unknown. The idea of talking about your thoughts, feelings and memories with someone you don’t know can be intimidating, but it can also bring healing.
Professional counselors guide you through the conversations and help you process your feelings. They allow you to go at your own pace and encourage you to take your time. Most importantly, they create a safe space that makes you feel comfortable sharing these things. After just a few sessions, you’ll find a sense of freedom and strength in your vulnerability.
How Seeking Help Can Improve Your Life
Seeking help for a mental health condition can improve your life in numerous ways. It can:
- Improve your relationships with others by helping you gain better communication skills, set boundaries and learn to express yourself
- Improve your emotional well-being by learning how to identify specific triggers and gaining valuable coping tools
- Improve your physical health by developing better sleep habits and reducing your risk of heart disease and high blood pressure
- Improve your on-the-job performance by bringing better focus and clarity to your life
- Reduce the risk of suicide and substance abuse
- Break damaging thought patterns that prevent you from successfully dealing with mental health issues
- Break the risk of generational mental health patterns passing down to your children or grandchildren
Ways to Reach Out for Support
If you think you need help, don’t wait. There are numerous ways you can reach out for support. First, if you’re facing a mental health crisis or feel like you have no one to turn to, call 988 immediately. This is the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. An experienced operator can provide immediate support and recommend services.
You can also contact the Mental Health Hotline for 24-7 support. These trained operators can help you find mental health resources based on your specific needs and assist you with making next-step decisions.
Another option is to reach out to a loved one and ask them for help. While a close friend or family member can’t treat your mental health condition, they can help you find the support you need. They may even be willing to go to the therapist with you for additional support.
Additionally, you can speak to your family doctor. Your primary physician can examine you to ensure your symptoms aren’t associated with any physical condition and refer you to a local counselor for additional treatment.
Creating a Culture That Normalizes Help-Seeking
Creating a culture that normalizes mental health treatment requires support from everyone. The first thing you can do to create this culture is seek help. This is a difficult step, but it’s worth it.
When you’re ready, sharing your story with friends and loved ones can also be helpful. This step may help break through the stigma some of your loved ones may have about mental health support and clear up any misconceptions they have. You can also share your story with others, perhaps by joining a support group.
Most importantly, encourage others who may be struggling with mental health distress to reach out. Helping them understand what to expect and sharing how treatment benefited you may be the extra push they need to finally reach out for support.
If You’re Saying to Yourself, “I Think I Need Help” — You Do!
Nobody knows your body, thoughts and feelings better than you do. So, if you think, “I need mental health help,” you probably do. Talking to a mental health professional can help you recognize your issues, identify triggers and learn coping skills to deal with any symptoms effectively.
Take the First Step
Don’t wait another day. Contact the Mental Health Hotline today.
