How To Ask For Help When Dealing With Your Mental Health
Mental health issues are debilitating. Sometimes you don’t know that you need help until it is almost too late, and asking for help is probably the most difficult aspect of dealing with mental health. But, the nurse practitioners at The Lotus Haven in Atlanta are here to provide you with the care and support you need. They dedicate their practice to offering a safe space to help you find an improved sense of well-being.
Recognize That It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
There is a long-held stigma that follows those with mental health issues. Someone who suffers deals with this stigma every day, and often keeps them from reaching out to ask for help. This stigma tells us that people who ask for help are weak or lazy. However, this is absolutely not true, and the first step in asking for help is recognizing that reaching out is your greatest strength.
Write Your Feelings Down
Once you recognize that you need help, a good practice is to write down everything you feel. The reason for this exercise is to get your thoughts out in a safe way. One benefit is that you can get all your feelings out without interruption. Even if you never share your writing with anyone else, the cathartic feeling that comes from freeing your brain of these thoughts feels remarkable. This freedom allows you to acknowledge your feelings and moves you one step closer to being ready to ask for help.
Find Someone To Trust
For some people, finding someone to trust may feel impossible. When negative thoughts surround you, you may feel like there is no one out there for you to talk to. You may have a strong network of friends and family, but trusting them may feel foreign, whether due to embarrassment or feeling as though they may judge you. These feelings are normal and if it makes you feel better, reach out to a co-worker or even a compassionate teacher. They may be in a better position to help.
Contact a Professional
When you are ready, reach out to a professional for help. You’ve made progress toward opening up and asking for help, but a professional can make the difference between staying down and boosting yourself up. It is okay to need medication to help you feel better, but, only a professional can diagnose and treat mental illness.
Get Started at Lotus Haven Today
The most basic principle is to get started, no matter how alone you might feel. It’s important to understand that you don’t have to go it alone. Ask for help and take the steps you need to live a better life, free from the negativity of mental health issues. The Lotus Haven can help you feel less alone and the compassionate nature of the staff can help you live the life you deserve.