Poor mental health? Here are 7 reasons you should seek help
Published on: Sunday, August 14, 2022
By:
Dennis Relojo Howell, FMT
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Many people are still hesitant to seek help for their mental health. (Envato Elements pic) / FMT
Sadly, many stigmas still exist around mental health and, especially, about seeking help for it. Even though more people are stepping forward and out of their comfort zones these days, there is a long way to go.
If you are struggling with mental health issues, here are seven reasons to seek help.
1. Better performance at school or work
Having to manage your family, friends, study, work, social life, and all kinds of activities can take a toll and burn you out. Seeking professional help such as counselling services can help you improve your performance at work or school, by teaching you ways to overcome stress.
2. Breaking out of vicious cycles
Those with poor mental health can develop harmful patterns of behaviour. Imagine you feel stressed because of an assignment, and now have difficulty focusing because of your anxiety. This, in turn, leads you to stress out even more – and before you know it, you are caught in a vicious cycle.
With professional help, you can break these spirals by better understanding your situation, and learning how to control and manage your stress and anxiety.
3. Reduced risk of other health issues
The adverse effects of poor mental health can trickle down to your physical health. If you have depression or anxiety, you might find it hard to sleep, which could lead to other medical issues. Some people develop eating disorders and become under- or overweight. Others fall prey to substance abuse, thereby exacerbating their situation.
Save your life and prevent other medical issues by seeking help for your mental health.
4. Better relationships
If you are going through a tough time, you likely feel alone in this fight. The truth is, everyone is going through something, and you are not alone. It can be very easy to isolate yourself thinking no one understands you or, worse, that they will judge you.
By seeking professional help, you can build happier, stronger relationships with others. (Envato Elements pic)
A doctor, psychologist, or counsellor can help you realise you are not alone. You will learn how to better communicate with others and build stronger relationships, while simultaneously coping with your issues.
5. Develop coping mechanisms
A mental health professional can help you figure out which coping mechanisms suit you best. Through therapy, you can (re)discover what you love and genuinely enjoy; activities – such as gardening, reading or exercising – that make you feel calm and content, and don’t lead to negative thoughts.
6. Improved quality of life
Seeking professional help will benefit you in many ways. You will be better able to handle challenging situations daily. You will know what works for you and what doesn’t. Your coach will help you gain more confidence.
You will become more decisive, be more clearly aware of your long-term goals, and won’t let your past traumas stand in the way of your future and happiness.
You will further be able to better cope with things that trigger anxiety or harmful thoughts, while making significant changes to your behaviour and lifestyle.
Bonus benefit
When you seek help, you benefit all of society. Sadly, society has always been harsh towards those with poor mental health, and even more so when it comes to seeking help.
By putting yourself out there, you actively contribute towards breaking the stigma, while motivating others to do the same. Pave the way for others not to feel shame in wanting to improve their wellbeing.
Dennis Relojo-Howell is the managing director of Psychreg and host of ‘The DRH Show’. Connect with him on Twitter @dennisr_howell.
