Learn why seeking professional mental health support to face your fears is a courageous move. Find out how therapy can enhance your mental well-being.
Mental health is an integral part of one's overall well-being, yet seeking professional help for mental health issues can be difficult. People often hesitate to ask for mental health support due to stigma and shame, fear of judgment, and lack of understanding, but it should be noted that seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness.
It takes courage to recognize the need for help and take the first step toward improving one's mental health. Individuals who acknowledge their concerns, are open to change, and take proactive steps to improve their mental well-being can receive valuable support to manage and improve their mental health concerns.
Why is it Difficult to Ask for Help?
Asking for mental health help can be a challenging and daunting task. While seeking professional help can provide many positive benefits, there are a number of reasons why it may be difficult to take the first step and ask for help.
One of the main reasons people hesitate to seek mental health help is the stigma and shame attached to mental health issues in our society. This can make it challenging to reach out for support, and people may worry about what others will think of them if they seek help. Fear of judgment is another common barrier that prevents people from seeking mental health help. They may worry about being labeled as "crazy" or "weak" for having mental health concerns.
In addition, a lack of knowledge or understanding about mental health issues and the available resources can also deter people from seeking help. The mental health system can be complex and difficult to navigate, particularly if you're unfamiliar with the different types of mental health professionals, treatment options, and available resources.
Cultural or religious beliefs can also make it challenging to seek mental health help, particularly if mental health issues are not recognized or are viewed as a sign of weakness. This can often conflict between the need for help and the desire to maintain cultural or religious values.
Finally, financial barriers can also make it difficult to access mental health care.
Mental health treatment costs money, and many people may not have the financial resources to access the care they need.
Why Seeking Help Shows Strength
Seeking help for mental health concerns is not a sign of failure or weakness. On the contrary, mental health issues are common and affect people from all walks of life. By seeking professional help, you are taking control of your mental health and are actively working toward improving your well-being. Here are some specific reasons why seeking professional mental help shows strength:
Acknowledging the Problem
Acknowledging the problem is an important first step in seeking professional mental help. It requires tremendous strength to recognize that something is not right and that you need help to address it. Mental health problems can be challenging to identify, as symptoms can vary from person to person and may not always be visible to others. Additionally, people may feel embarrassed or ashamed to admit they are struggling with mental health issues, making it difficult to seek help.
However, ignoring the problem and hoping it will go away on its own is not a productive solution. Mental health issues can often escalate without proper treatment, impacting all aspects of a person's life. Seeking professional help demonstrates that you are willing to face your fears and take the necessary steps to address your mental health. It takes courage to admit that you need help, and seeking professional help is a sign of great strength.
Change is Not Always Easy
Change is not always easy, especially when it comes to our mental health. It can be difficult to acknowledge the need to make changes in our lives to improve our mental health. However, seeking professional help for mental health issues shows strength because it requires a willingness to change and take steps to improve our lives.
The process of change can sometimes be uncomfortable and even painful. It can involve facing difficult emotions, evaluating long-held beliefs or behaviors, and adjusting our lifestyle or relationships. However, by seeking professional help, we are taking a proactive step toward making the changes we need to improve our mental health. We also acknowledge that the current situation is not working and that we need to take action to improve our overall well-being.
Seeking Help is a Proactive Step
Seeking professional help means that we have the support of a trained mental health professional to guide us through the healing process. Professionals in the field of mental health can assist with navigating the adjustments we must make in order to improve our mental health by offering support, direction, and resources. This assistance can be really helpful, especially when we're feeling overburdened or unsure about the changes we need to make.
Seeking assistance for mental health issues is a proactive step toward enhancing mental health. For instance, a person with depressive symptoms may have trouble functioning in daily life, affecting their ability to work or maintain healthy relationships. This could result in a vicious loop of negative emotions and self-doubt, making it more difficult to take action toward solving the underlying issue. By asking for assistance, you are taking proactive steps to improve your mental health and end the vicious cycle of unwanted feelings and behaviors.
Getting assistance also allows you to learn symptom management techniques and coping strategies. Mental health specialists are qualified to assist individuals in coping with their problems and can offer advice on available treatments and coping methods. This can involve managing your medications, practicing self-care, and attending psychotherapy appointments. Developing these abilities can assist you in managing your symptoms and improving your overall well-being.
Breaking the Stigma
Despite growing awareness and understanding of mental health issues, many societies still have a stigma attached to mental health problems. This stigma can make it difficult for people to seek help and prevent them from receiving the care they need. In addition, people may fear being judged, ostracized, or stigmatized for having a mental health issue, which can make them reluctant to seek help.
However, seeking professional help for mental health issues is essential to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. By reaching out for help, you demonstrate that you are taking your mental health seriously and recognize the importance of seeking professional care for your well-being. You are also showing others that it is okay to seek help when they need it.
Many celebrities have spoken publicly about their own mental health struggles to help break the stigma surrounding mental illness. One notable example is Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who has been open about his experiences with depression. In a 2018 interview with the Express, he spoke about the importance of seeking help: "I found that with depression, one of the most important things you could realize is that you're not alone. You're not the first to go through it; you're not going to be the last to go through it. I wish I had someone at that time who could just pull me aside and [say], 'Hey, it's gonna be okay.'"
Another celebrity who has been vocal about her struggles with mental health is Selena Gomez. In 2020, she spoke with Miley Cyrus on her "Bright Minded" Instagram Live series about her bipolar diagnosis and how she manages her mental health. By sharing her experiences, Gomez helps to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourages others to seek help.
When public figures and celebrities speak out about their mental health struggles and seek help, it can go a long way toward reducing mental health stigma and encouraging others to do the same. By sharing their stories, these individuals help to normalize the experience of having a mental health condition and reduce the shame and embarrassment that can prevent people from seeking help. They also demonstrate that it's possible to live a fulfilling life with a mental health condition and that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but strength.
You are Not Alone
Mental health problems can be incredibly isolating, and it is common to feel like you are the only one going through it. However, seeking professional help means you are not alone in your struggles. Mental health providers are trained to help people cope with their issues and can provide guidance on treatment options and coping mechanisms.
Seeking help can also provide a support system during your journey to recovery. For example, mental health professionals can help you develop a plan of action for addressing your mental health concerns and work with you to identify coping strategies and resources to help you manage your symptoms. Additionally, support groups and therapy sessions can provide a sense of community and validation that can be incredibly helpful in recovery.
Talk Therapy with CHE
If you are struggling with mental health concerns, know that you are not alone and that there is no shame in seeking professional help. Online talk therapy, offered by CHE Behavioral Health Services, is a convenient and accessible option for those who may be hesitant to seek in-person help. By taking the first step toward improving your mental health, you are demonstrating a great deal of strength and resilience.
For more information about mental illness and treatment options offered by CHE, please call 888-515-3834. We are ready to talk and ready to listen.
