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Breaking the Stigma: Why It's Okay to Ask for Help

Updated: May 5, 2023



Have you ever found yourself struggling to ask for help when you need it most? If so, know that you're not alone. As a resilience coach and lived experience with bipolar and CPTSD, I'm here to tell you that it's okay to ask for help.


The Fear of Burdening Others

Many of us tend to internalize our struggles, believing that we don't want to be bothersome or burden others. But the truth is, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It takes courage to recognize when we need help and to reach out for it.


As times are changing, more people are speaking out about their experiences with mental health, and it's becoming increasingly important to break the stigma that surrounds it. We often hear about the common symptoms of depression, such as staying in bed or crying, but there's so much more to it that we fear to talk about.


The Realities of Depression

From my personal experience, I know it can be challenging to express what we're going through when we need help. For instance, when I'm feeling low, I struggle to tell others that "I'm not lazy." My body feels uncontrollably numb, and my mind feeds me with a false sense of reality, making me believe that nothing I do will be good enough. It's hard to get out of bed and be productive when my mind is attacking me.


Another thing that can be challenging to talk about is having suicidal thoughts or ideation without being suicidal. It's difficult to share these disturbing thoughts with someone who might not understand, but it's essential to do so. We often bottle up our thoughts and end up facing our demons alone.


The Power of a Listening Ear

Depression can be challenging to articulate, and some might not know how to explain it. People might question our depression and our ability to articulate what's going on in our minds. However, we need to understand that our struggles are valid, and we don't need to justify them to anyone.


In times of crisis, what we need is a supportive friend or loved one with an open ear. Someone who will not judge us, fix our problems or question our diagnosis, but merely listen. Having someone to talk to can make a huge difference in our lives.


Wrap Up!

In conclusion, it's time to break the stigma surrounding mental health and acknowledge that it's okay to ask for help. Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. We all need support from time to time, and it's important to reach out when we do. So don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it, and remember, you're not alone.

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©2023 by Ghanwa Shahnawaz Media & Coaching

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