Asking for helping can be tough but it is an essential skill to achieve good mental health. Good mental health is when we feel positive and happy about yourself, life and those around you. It is quite common to struggle with life issues from time to time, which can affect how we think, feel and behave. There is no shame in asking for help, it is important to talk to others when we have something on our minds.
There are lots of people who you can go to for help when you need it ?
- Your parents or other family members
- Teachers
- Friends
- Sporting Coach
- Headspace
- Online services; Beyond Blue, Black Dog Institute
- Phone services; Lifeline, SANE
But how do you actually ask? Accepting that you need help is the first and often for many, the most difficult step. Just remember that most people will need help from time to time and it?s more than okay you are asking. It is braver to ask for help than bottling it up, try not to put any pressure on yourself to deal with it on your own.
Reflect and have a think about what it is you need help with and how you are feeling, you could even try writing this down. This will make it easier for you to explain and it may assist the person you are asking to help you in finding the appropriate services and offering advice and support that suits you.
Finding the right person to help is important also. Be sure they are someone you trust and feel comfortable with. Starting the conversation with something as simple as ?Can I talk to you? or ?Can we sit down, I need some help? can get the ball rolling. If you aren?t comfortable in talking to others face to face you can use technology until you are ready to do. Writing a text message may help you explain why you are reaching out for help.
Always remember that people like to help, those who care for you will have no hesitation in talking to you and offering help in any way they can.
Don?t forget to remind yourself that asking for help is not admitting to being weak.