Sometimes it can feel impossible to ask for help, especially when it comes to our mental health. But there are certain steps you can take to make it slightly better.
Asking for help with our mental health is one of the hardest but most important decisions we could ever make in our lives. As previously discussed there can be a number of barriers stopping us from asking for help, however, the importance far outweighs any of these.
When it comes to our mental health there are various ways we can ask for help, however, these can be rather scary. Luckily there are a number of ways you can better prepare yourself to do the seemingly impossible.
There are are a number of different reasons that may coax us into talking about our mental health. This isn’t a collective list, however, these are some of the most common.
You don’t need to be in crisis in order to get support, and in fact, it’s better to get help with your mental health before it reaches crisis point.
For more information on a crisis and what to do see the penultimate section of this post.
The first step in asking for help is realising and accepting that you need it. Without acceptance, you have denial, which will only stand in the way of you accessing the help you need.
If you’re struggling to function on a day to day basis, if you’re constantly unable to cope due to anxiety, if you’re having suicidal thoughts; Then you need and deserve help. Don’t let your inner voice convince you otherwise.
A support system is paramount in receiving and maintaining an adequate level of help. Think about your circle; Who can you talk to and go to in an emergency? Friends? Family? Colleagues? Medical professionals?
If you’re opening up to a friend for the first time it’s important that you’re comfortable and relaxed. It’s a good idea to invite them over to your own space, or if there is somewhere else where you feel comfortable, that works too. As long as you are relaxed and comfortable enough to be completely, 100% honest about your mental health.
When going to see your health care provider take your partner, friend or a family member with you to the meeting if at all possible. Going to the doctor is far from a comfortable experience and often it can be hard to find the words under pressure. That’s where a friend or family member can step in with support, and they may even be able to answer some of the GP’s questions.
When asked how you’ve been feeling or what’s been going on, DON’T LIE.
“I’m fine” shouldn’t come into it, not if you’re really serious about getting help. Instead, explain what’s been going on as best you can. No matter how melodramatic it may seem in your head, just push that aside and address the issue for what it is; A mental health issue.
What are you expecting to achieve from reaching out for help? Obviously, help is one of them, but what sort of help? Medication, a referral, counseling? Don’t be afraid to be assertive and out-right ask for these things.
If you’re seeing a GP be sure to ask questions about help available both in regards to your mental health and any external support you might need. It can help to go in with a list of pre-decided questions!
A crisis occurs when you feel that your mental health is a breaking point, and you no longer think you can keep yourself safe. This may mean that you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, thoughts of injuring yourself, extreme panic attacks, episodes of psychosis, etc.
No matter what you’re experiencing and why;
If mental health crises are common or more likely due to a pre-determined diagnosis, then I would advise creating a crisis plan. You can find ideas for you plan in the following text.
If you’re experiencing a crisis there are many things you can do to help yourself. It’s important to remember that different things work for different people, therefore it’s understandable that some items on this list won’t be within your reach;
I hope I was able to shed some light on asking for help with our mental health. It can be very daunting when we first ask for help, but it’s one of the most important things we could choose to do with our lives.
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I agree with your points, especially the one about acceptance and having a support system. One needs to accept the condition he/she to seek help.
Thank you so much for stopping by and reading. Acceptance is one of the biggest yet hardest things in regards to mental health.
Love this as I've recently had to do it. Having a great husband has helped.
My partner has also been a great help to me. I'm so glad you were able to reach out for help. Thank you for reading.
Love this post, it’s very informative! We need more people talking about the benefits of asking for help. Especially in a world where mental health is frowned upon. Thanks for sharing these tips!
Kendra | Self-Care Overload
Thank you so much for stopping in and reading.
Great tips! It can be scary to ask for help, but I think you did a great job with how you approached this. I believe it will make it easier for people!
Thank you very much for stopping in and reading this. I really appreciate it.
Brilliant post! Will share xx
Thank you :)
Some great tips here and on such an important topic. Although mental health seems to be more openly discussed nowadays, there's still a way to go so it's super encouraging that there are bloggers like yourself who are spreading awareness and sharing help and resources. This post will definitely help someone out there who may be struggling, thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for reading. I'm so glad that you found it useful.
I think this is a very important post to share, not least the part about asking specifically for what you need - something I am very very bad at, not only in relation to my health. For that reason, I also love your suggestion of taking along a supportive family member/friend/partner to GP appointments - it's good to have someone there who has some idea of what you need, who can take over if need be.
I always find it easier with a loved one there, especially someone that I trust. It's my number one suggestion for those of us going in to talk about mental health. Thank you so much for reading.
This is such an amazing post! Sometimes the hardest part is the asking, I know from personal experience it is because I don't want to bother other people!
Thank you for stopping in and reading!
Honesty is a big one when seeking help! I struggle with trust so this one was always hard for me but it is vital to getting help and it having a major difference in your recovery. Thank you for sharing this. Great post.
Thank you very much. I'm so glad you enjoyed this post and found it helpful.
When I read the symptoms, tears welled up in my eyes. Oh gosh. This is overwhelming.
It can be quite hard, especially if you see yourself in them. I hope you get the help you need. xx
Thank you very much:)