This article explores some of the steps you can take if you feel like you need help. It covers why you might need help, where you can find help, and some strategies you can use to help yourself feel better.
Reasons You Might Need Help
There are many different reasons why you might need someone to help you. Every person faces unique challenges, and many different factors—ranging from your personality to your support system—can play a part in determining the type of help that you need. Many situations may lead you to reach out for help. Some of these include:
Mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or addiction Difficult life events, such as the death of a loved one, a divorce, or losing your job Relationship difficulties Trouble coping with stress Feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or helpless Experiencing abuse or violence Stress or bullying in the workplace Significant life changes such as moving to a new place Feeling lonely, isolated or rejected Chronic health conditions
If you are experiencing any of the above issues, it’s essential to reach out for help. There is no shame in admitting that you need assistance as it takes a great deal of courage. Ignoring the problem will not make it go away; in many cases, doing so will only worsen the situation.
What Type of Help Do You Need?
It can also be helpful to think about the kind of support you need in a situation. Sometimes, help might focus on offering emotional support. In other cases, you might need practical support to manage different aspects of your daily life. Types of support that you might look for include:
Emotional support: This type of help can come from friends, family members, or therapists. It involves talking about your feelings and experiences to gain a better understanding of them. Practical support: This type of help can involve assistance with day-to-day tasks, such as child care, cooking, or transportation. It can also include help with financial matters or housing. Informational support: This type of help entails receiving information about available resources, such as support groups or counseling services. It can also involve learning more about a particular issue that you’re struggling with.
Once you’ve determined the type of help you need, you can start looking for resources that can provide it. In some cases, you may find that you need multiple kinds of support, which may require more than one solution.
How to Find Help
If you need help, there are many different resources that you can turn to. The first step is to reach out to your friends and family. Let them know what’s going on and how they can assist you. If you don’t feel comfortable confiding in those closest to you, consider talking to a clergy member, counselor, or therapist. Here are some places to start:
Talk to Your Healthcare Provider
If you’re feeling physically ill or notice significant changes in your mood or behavior, your first step should always be to consult a medical professional. They can help rule out any potential underlying health issues and provide guidance on steps to take next.
Connect With a Therapist
A therapist, counselor, or another mental health professional can provide emotional support and guidance as you work through your challenges. Therapy can provide an objective sounding board as well as tools and techniques for dealing with life’s difficulties. A therapist can help you work through past traumas, process current stressors, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Reach Out to a Support Group
Attending a support group can provide you with emotional and practical support from others dealing with similar issues. If you’re struggling with addiction, grief, or another problem, there are often others who have been through similar experiences. Connecting with a supportive group can provide much-needed validation, understanding, and advice.
Talk to a Friend or Family Member
Sometimes, all you need is someone to talk to who will listen. If you’re feeling down, reach out to a trusted loved one for a heart-to-heart conversation. Loved ones can also be a great source of referrals if you are still interested in talking to a doctor or therapist.
Call a Helpline
Calling a hotline can give you access to someone who can provide immediate assistance in a crisis. When you need someone to talk to outside of your personal circle, many national helplines are available 24/7 that can help. These organizations can provide you with information about local resources in your area.
Try Online Resources
Many online resources are available that can provide information and support. For example, there may be websites that provide information and education about the specific problem you are facing. There are also several mental health apps that can be useful for finding support and self-help.
Tips for Coping When You Need Help
In addition to reaching out to others for help, there are also steps you can take to help and care for yourself. It’s important to be patient with yourself as you work through difficult times. Make sure to give yourself time to rest and recover. Here are some additional tips:
Take care of your physical health: When you’re under stress, it’s more important than ever to take care of your physical health. Be sure to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. These simple steps can help improve your mood and energy levels. Avoid using alcohol or drugs: It’s tempting to self-medicate when you’re feeling down, but alcohol and drugs will only make your problems worse in the long run. If you’re struggling with addiction, seek professional help. Seek out positive influences: Spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself and help you see the bright side of life. These positive influences can provide much-needed support during tough times. Do something that makes you happy: Make time for activities that bring joy into your life. Whether it’s reading, listening to music, spending time in nature, or something else entirely, do what makes you feel good. Practice gratitude: When you’re feeling low, it can be helpful to remind yourself of the good in your life. Expressing gratitude can help you refocus on the positive and find strength during challenging times. It can also help combat feelings of anxiety and depression. Be kind to yourself: It’s important to be gentle with yourself when you’re going through a tough time. Allow yourself to feel whatever emotions you’re experiencing, and don’t be too hard on yourself if you need to take things one day at a time. Avoid negative self-talk: Be mindful of the things you say to yourself. Avoid putting yourself down and try to focus on positive thoughts and self-affirmations. Work on accepting emotions: Practicing emotional acceptance can have a positive impact on your mental well-being. Don’t try to fight your emotions or push them away. Instead, allow yourself to experience them fully and work on letting them go when you’re ready.
A Word From Verywell
If you need help, there are a number of different places that you can turn. Depending on the nature of your problem and the type of support you need, certain resources will be more helpful than others. Some people prefer to seek out help from friends or family members, while others prefer to talk to a therapist or counselor. There is no “right” way to get help. Ultimately, the most important thing is finding a resource that feels comfortable for you and confident about.
