How to Ask for Help When You Can't Do It Yourself #healthy2020 #mentalhealth #askingforhelp

My Healthy 2020 series is about ensuring we achieve optimal health this year...and beyond. This includes physical health...but mental health is important too! We try to deal with whatever life send us on our own, but sometimes we need to reach out for help! Today, The Weekend Gourmet correspondent is sharing some ideas about asking for help when you can't cope on your own. This article may contain affiliate links.

Photo credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/D1V712zTyzo

People have a habit of wanting to do everything for themselves -- and they often consider it a sign of weakness to ask for help. It’s not entirely clear where this attitude came from -- but it prevails across society, which is a shame.  There’s nothing wrong with asking for help when you cannot do it yourself! No one will consider you weak or silly for not being able to handle the stresses and struggle of life alone. Trying to do everything yourself can have disastrous effects on your work, your happiness, and your physical well-being. If you’re going through a stressful or mentally challenging experience, here are some places where you can reach out for help coping. 

Reach Out to Friends and Family

Friends and family know you best, so it makes sense for you to talk to them about any issues or struggles you're currently facing. Their support will be invaluable in the face of adversity! With an extensive support network, you can talk as and whenever you need to -- with no obligation to go further than you are comfortable with.

You can call your support network whenever you want. Even if you don’t talk face to face, a phone call or text message chain can be beneficial. There will certainly be friends and family members who you can talk to more comfortably than others. However, you may find that support comes in the most unexpected places when you communicate with those you care about...and who care about you. 

Find Support Groups

If you’re not comfortable talking with friends and family -- or you don’t believe they'll understand what you are going through -- support groups are a fantastic alternative. These groups can help you work through your issues by sharing experiences with others who are -- or have been -- experiencing the same situation. Support groups are excellent for issues like chronic pain; these meetings allow you to share coping methods while also understanding you're not alone in your feelings and problems. 

Like opening up to friends, it’s challenging to take the first step to look for a good support group. If you’re not comfortable attending a support in person, there are plenty of online resources/options for you to explore. 

Speak to Professionals

Often, nothing can compare to the help, assistance, and support you gain from working with mental health professionals. From counseling sessions to addiction treatment programs, these professionals are trained to help you. However, these routes are commonly the most difficult to follow. It may be hard to admit you need professional help, but sometimes this is the best option for you! Professional programs follow established method that explore the best way to treat your problems. You'll be in a safe environment and receive consistent support during the entirety of your treatment program. 

Helping Hands

At their core, people want to help others. It might not seem that way sometimes, but most people genuinely want to help others. If you're experiencing troubles with work, substance dependency, or concerns about the future...don’t be afraid to reach out to those who you think can provide you the best help.