There is a paradox when you talk about mental health issues. The first challenge is to get yourself heard and the second one is to get the other person to believe what you are feeling. Even though mental health is one of the most stigmatised and taboo topics to talk about, there is no shame in seeking help when you need it the most.
It is hard for individuals to comprehend their thought processes and express their feelings through words. Giving a safe space to talk or vent out is the best thing anyone could do for their loved and dear ones.
In most cases, where you encounter people who dismiss what you say or interupt the conversation to talk about their life events or stories, you are bound to feel withdrawn. It would be natural to never want to open up and share something with someone like that ever again. But it doesn’t have to be the same with everyone, you need to give yourself fair chances and there is always someone who can empathise with you.
Three Reasons Why There is No Shame in Seeking Help
1. Mental Health is as important as our Physical Health
I have seen people taking care of their physical health, and their outer beauty just to look good and fit in, even though they struggle on a cellular level. They make very few efforts in taking care of their inner world while focusing only on the outside world. Many of us have never been taught how to take care of ourselves and name our feelings, rather we are shamed or made feel guilty if someone sees us indulging in self-care.
I have a friend who keeps on commenting about how I try to stay active, fresh and presentable all the time even though I am a divorcee but how does it define me? All the little efforts we make to uplift our energy counts, right from making the bed when you get up in the morning every day, wearing your favourite dresses, cooking the best meal, giving yourself a treat for accomplishing a goal or even finishing the dissertation within your deadline, why not?
Mental health is as important as our physical health and there is no shame in paying attention to our inner world and seeking help when we need it the most.
2. You cannot pour from an empty cup
As a human, we have our capacity and limits to perform. By performance I mean the duties and responsibilities attached to each role we play daily in the lives of people around us - at our workplace, in our social circles and with kids. Sometimes we feel so drained and exhausted mentally and don't realise it until it has hit a downward spiral.
You have a limit when it comes to showing yourself, you also need time to rejuvenate, talk to someone, regain your balance and take time to figure out things. There is no shame in seeking help when it comes to yourself and you need to be aware of your limitation to help yourself at the right time.
3. You have the power to decide your story
We always have two choices to make; continue with the way life is taking us - be sad about it, compare our lives with others, indulge in negative self-talk and live an unfulfilled life. OR, take complete control of our lives into our hands, make some life-altering habit shifts in our daily routine, meet new people, talk about our feelings and find support groups.
We can never live a life which is free from stress and tension, but we need to check on our mental health status from time to time, just to get an adequate amount of healing for the inner world. We all need that forgiveness, healing, and introspection, it is all within, we just need to sit with ourselves understand the pain areas and reach out for help.
Reach out to your family members, and your friends and if you don't feel comfortable talking to them, call a helpline, or meet a counsellor. There is no shame in seeking help to regain your lost balance. Do not be afraid of getting judged or labelled, don’t hide when you visit a therapist, own your feelings, and own yourself.
You are the only one who is responsible for you, take that power and live a fulfilled life.
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