How to Ask For Help with Mental Health
Mental health is a problem that many people all over the world deal with. Issues with mental health can develop from many different factors, whether it is home life, work-life, or even your social and romantic life. The biggest issue when individuals are struggling with mental health is that they do not ask for help and instead try to get a grip by themselves. This is the biggest mistake someone can make as it can make the situation worse or not help resolve the issues. There are many ways that you can get help, you just need to take the big step and ask for help.
How to Ask For Help with Mental Health
Signs of Mental Health Issues
Helping someone in need is easier if you are able to identify the warning signs of mental health issues. Someone you know may show struggles with concentration if they are often in a state of anxiety or worry. Another sign is if you or the person you are concerned about is in long periods of sadness. This might include withdrawing from social activities and tending to keep to themselves. A big sign of mental illness is also extreme mood changes as well as substantial changes in eating and sleeping patterns. The most dangerous sign of mental health issues is self-harm.
If somebody you know is displaying more than one of these symptoms, it is time to take the first step and ask for help from a mental health professional.
Taking the First Step
When struggling with mental health issues, the first thing you should do is ask for help. This may seem daunting and a bit scary because it feels like no one else will understand. For some people, you might feel like you do not want to burden anyone. However, this is not the case.
Mental health in the 20th century was a discussion that people were afraid to have. Mental health was not fully understood socially or medically at the time. With a rising number of individuals speaking out about mental health, family members, friends, and doctors are more aware of the issue and can help in treating and/or managing mental health issues.
You may be in denial and think your issues are not as bad as someone else’s, however, there is a problem with that way of thinking. Everyone struggles with different levels of issues and for different reasons. No one is worse off than you; all issues are equal and mental health services can help address them.
Who Do You Speak To?
The first people you should look to are those closest to you. Family members are the first in line as they know who you are better than most people as they have seen you grow up. This might be a father you confide in and look up to, an aunt, or a sibling.
By speaking to a family member, they may be able to offer help in areas you feel you need assistance. Or, they might just give you different perspectives on certain situations. It is all about talking.
Talking is one of the best methods to help with mental health issues as you are expressing your feelings and emotions and not just bottling them up. If they are bottled up and not dealt with, it can make the situation for you or someone of concern feel worse.
Receiving Professional Help
You and your family may decide you need to see a local mental health counselor as they may not have all the answers. This is not a bad thing. A licensed mental health counselor in your area can work with you in order to get you better. A counselor may even direct you to a psychologist or a psychiatrist for medication to help you. There is nothing wrong with taking medication for mental health problems. If you break your leg, you’re going to need a crutch. Taking medicine for your mental health is like using a crutch, there is nothing wrong with it.
Helpful Information: People Seeking Help – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Blue Sky Counseling Omaha – Mental Health Counseling
I, Carly Spring, M.S., LIMHP, LADC, CPC, offer my specialized expertise to assist in the healing process to anyone who may be experiencing and suffering from a vast spectrum of mental health issues. Such mental health issues include behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, grief, loss, trauma, addiction issues, and life transitions. I believe strongly in applying a holistic perspective addressing your whole person not just the bits and pieces of you. Contact us with any questions or to discuss gambling addiction services in Omaha today.
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