What Does Asking For Help Look Like?
Empowering You To Advocate For Your Needs
Debunking stigma around asking for help is a process. Often times when we are managing average stressors we are use to navigating through them on our own or even with the support from our inner circle. It’s sometimes difficult to determine when we need to call upon other options, including professional support like a therapist, a peer, support groups, a counselor and/or a coach.
We all manage stress differently. Our ability to handle something for a long time can change unexpectedly. At times we may feel the weight of the pile on as stress grows and we can almost forecast that things may spiral down. However, if we are not taking time to check in with ourselves from time to time, the stress may unexpectedly derail us in a way that almost appears to be out of nowhere and quickly shift us into a crisis.
Becoming more aware of what we are wanting from a conversation can help us set up realistic expectations. This is useful as it is expanding our understanding about how to be more mindful of who we choose to open up to. We can learn to go into a conversation by stating that you’re just looking for some neutral space to vent without opinions or interjections about their own experiences with that similar issue. You have the right to request that at the start of a conversation! And if you notice that you already have doubts that the person you’re about to disclose your inner most thoughts with will not respect that wish, perhaps consider rethinking if this is the right person you should be talking to right now about it. Unfortunately, family and friends can inadvertently make things worse. They may mean well with offering their guidance, but if that is not what you’re needing at the time it can actually set you back.
A neutral space that allows you to share without being judged, blamed, shamed, guilted and/or having to worry that later in time that it will be used against you can open the door to receiving an elevation in your healing journey. We all deserve a place where we can unpack our intimate thoughts that can assist us on navigating the course and how to process it all. By acknowledging our thoughts around how our emotions are signaling to us is crucial for us to feel our feelings. You have every right to keep advocating for your needs until you find a connection that allows you to feel safe and if it doesn’t switch providers until you do!
Private practice, clinics, group and peer support are a few ways you can explore what relief feels like for you. Traditionally we think of these options as a clinical approach to our mental health. However, there are alternative ways that can offer an eclectic approach finding a space that gives us a more diverse perspective to our healing practice, like a spiritual leader, a life coach, advocacy group and intuitive healer. Remember healing looks different for us all and our path does as well. Mental wellbeing is not a one size fits all kind of practice. Self-healing and exploring resources and books can further your understanding of the many options available to you. May you find peace and healing.
