If you suffer from anxiety, then you know the condition can often leave you feeling stuck. For instance, you might spin in place mentally, unable to think of anything beyond the fear and apprehension clouding your mind. At the same time, you may also feel weighed down physically, powerless to move until the tension subsides.
In those moments, asking for help might feel like the farthest thing from your mind. Not only is the condition overwhelming but there remains an undue amount of misunderstanding and stigma surrounding mental health disorders.
You may worry about being judged, or fear someone will dismiss your feelings. You may also worry about how shedding light on your anxiety will affect your personal and professional relationships.
We’re here to tell you that reaching out isn’t a sign of weakness. Rather, it’s the strongest and most important thing you can do for yourself to jumpstart your recovery and improve your life. Today, we’re sharing why this first step matters and how to take it.
Breaking the Mental Health Stigma
Research shows that more than 19% of the U.S. population currently suffers from some type of anxiety disorder. These conditions affect people of all age groups.
Yet, despite its widespread prevalence, anxiety has traditionally been widely stigmatized. According to one report, one in four U.S. adults struggling with anxiety has experienced embarrassment, discrimination, or unfair treatment as a result of their condition.
If you’ve experienced the same hurt, you may have tried to conceal your disorder, concerned that if someone found out about your status, they would treat you unfavorably. You may have also struggled with feelings of discouragement, anger, hurt, and low self-esteem.
Thankfully, the tide appears to be turning and stigmas are shrinking. In today’s post-pandemic society, there are more resources centered around mental health, self-care, and wellness than ever before.
Still, the idea of reaching out and asking for help can be daunting. You may wonder when you should take that next step, or how to gauge when your anxiety has become too overwhelming. Not to mention, who’s the best person to turn to?
We understand your questions—they’re natural! Especially for those who suffer from anxiety, leaving a comfort zone can be scary. By asking for support, you’re making your condition known and we know that’s a vulnerable place to be. It’s also the most empowering, beneficial place to start.
The Benefits of Asking for Help
The second you face your fears and ask for help with managing your anxiety, you’re no longer on this journey alone. You’re walking alongside others who have been in your shoes, as well as professionals who have the tools to help you get through it.
Let’s take a look at a few benefits you can expect when you take this step.
Less Isolation
Anxiety doesn’t always make itself known in physical ways. You may struggle mostly in your mind, battling fearsome thoughts and worries only you can understand. This can be an incredibly isolating experience.
When you allow others to help, you’re no longer in this on your own. You’ll have access to a supportive, uplifting community that can help you rally through the dark days, and celebrate your victories alongside you.
Stronger Relationships
Think about the way you interact with others when you’re in the throes of anxiety. These disorders can lead to a range of symptoms, including restlessness, irritability, fatigue, and tension. They can shut down healthy communication and drive a wedge between you and your loved ones.
When you engage in mental health counseling, you’ll learn how to work through these barriers. You’ll discover effective ways to manage your anxiety symptoms and engage in productive, loving conversations with those closest to you.
Better Coping Strategies
How are you currently coping with your anxiety? There are many ways to mitigate your symptoms on your own, from taking a walk in nature to running a warm bubble bath. However, many people rely on short-term physician-recommended coping strategies to support their long-term recovery.
When you seek professional help, you’ll gain access to those tools. From talk therapy to medication-assisted treatment, there are many different resources your counselor may recommend. As you put them into practice, you’ll be able to handle even the most challenging situations with a degree of calm, focused awareness.
Less Risk of Other Conditions
When you put off seeking the help you need, your anxiety can exacerbate. In turn, this can heighten your risk of developing other, related conditions, such as sleep disorders, heart disease, obesity, digestive issues, and more.
The sooner you reach out to someone, the easier it is to take hold of your condition and prevent it from worsening. This is a smart way to take control of your overall health and safeguard your future.
Reclaim Your Quality of Life
Keeping your anxiety to yourself can be like holding in a big secret. If you’re scared to speak out, those fears and concerns have nowhere to go. As they fester inside of you, it can be difficult to focus on anything else.
Your work performance may suffer. Your personal relationships can start to struggle. These problems don’t occur for lack of trying or dedication, but simply because your mind and body can only hold so much.
Asking for help sends the message that you care about yourself and those around you. As your day-to-day stress levels start to lower, you’ll find it easier to live fully and freely.
Asking For Help Is Brave and Important
At Cenikor, we’re dedicated to helping you find the recovery resources you need to break free of the addictions, anxieties, and struggles that once consumed you. We know that asking for help can be one of the hardest things you ever do, but it’s necessary to move forward and thrive.
We aren’t built to take huge steps like this alone. If you need help reaching out, confide in a trusted friend who understands your path and can help you along it. Then, take a look at the services and treatment programs we offer and decide which one is best for you.
Let's Do This!
