For those who face mental health problems, reaching for help is often the most difficult part of the process. Living with bipolar disorder, I've experienced every mood from manic to depression. Every time I've gone to a psychologist or psychiatrist for assistance, I've never regretted my decision, and often those people comment on my remarkable ability to seek mental health care when I need it.
This article applies to those with, or without, an existing mental health condition. Mental health afflicts anyone. Below are some thoughts you may have, followed by reasons why you should never hesitate to get help.
1. Thought: You're questioning whether to get mental health help.
Reason: If you ever find yourself asking this question, you do need help. You can boil you decision to two options: to receive help or not. Just by asking this question, you have admitted to yourself that you doubt your ability to cope with your problem yourself. Why not assure your safety in the hands of a psychologist who has helped others with a similar problem?
2. Thought: You're concerned about the cost.
Reason: Most college campuses have low-cost mental health resources. For instance, at the University of Houston, I've utilized the university's Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), which services students with a free consultation, $5 per individual session, $10 per couples' session, and free group sessions.
3. Thought: You feel that your problem isn't legitimate enough.
Reason: If a problem has bothered you enough to the point of needing someone else's help, then you should never hesitate to get help. Often, when I'm depressed, I assume that my symptoms are trivial. I hear from my friends over and over: lots of normal people go through this. Sure, people may encounter the same severity of the problem, but that does nothing to actually fix your problem. Mental health problems should not be dealt with any differently than other problems. If something is bothering you, your concern deserves to be addressed, regardless of what it is.
4. Thought: You're ashamed.
Reason: Remember: there's nothing to be ashamed of. An enormous problem with treating mental health is the fact that it's stigmatized. Your problem is legitimate, and you deserve help.
5. Thought: You can't cope with your daily life on a normal basis.
Reason: If your mental health concern hinders your normal functioning (physically, mentally, and/or emotionally) that means it is time for you to receive help. Do you want to return to a normally functioning life? If so, it's important to intervene and see a psychologist. They are specially trained to treat problems like yours. Let them.
