LEARN HOW TO ASK FOR HELP OR RECOGNIZE AND TAKE ACTION WHEN YOU SEE SOMEONE WHO SHOULD

We don’t protect our minds the same way we protect our bodies—especially if you’re on the frontlines keeping others healthy and safe. Bulletproof vests aren’t made to fight anxiety. Face masks aren’t made to avoid depression. To protect our mental health, we all need to take steps that are unique to each of us. Yet, how do you know what’s right for you when the options are almost endless? From creating and maintaining a self-care and healthy diet, to proper exercise and talking about our problems—it can be tough and overwhelming knowing where to start.

We start by asking for help.

By asking for help, whether it’s for ourselves or for others, we begin a journey toward healthier mental health and spark a chain reaction that can have positive long-term benefits for both you and the important people in you life. It’s pretty easy to recognize when you or someone in your life is physically vulnerable to harm —but sensing when we need to protect our mental health is not so simple if you don’t know the signs you’re looking for or know the risks involved.

know the risks you can avoid
by asking for the right help

What are you at risk of if you don’t protect your mind how you protect your body? In school, at home, at play and in our workplaces, we learn how to protect our bodies from physical injury. We recognize that when we have a physical injury, if left unattended it may result in pain, discomfort, reduced mobility and in the worst-case lead to a crisis that requires acute medical intervention. The path of who to seek help from and how are well understood – and there are resources readily available to provide that help.

In terms of our minds – and especially our mental health and wellness we are entering into a world of intangible feelings that reveal themselves often with physical and emotional signs and symptoms – that when left unattended may lead us into crisis. Sometimes the signs are obvious but at other times, something may feel slightly off and you can’t figure out what it is. So how do we learn to recognize what we need? We ask for help.

YOU MIGHT ALREADY BE EXPERIENCING
THINGS YOU NEED TO ASK FOR HELP WITH
(Ask a healthcare professional about any of these topics)

Worry
Struggling with relationships
Unhappiness
Discontent
Indecisiveness
Health Issues (weight loss/gain)
Depression
Fatigue
Stress
Sleeplessness
Relationship issues (home, work and social)
Increased risk of physical injuries
Anxiety
Irritability
Hostility
Decrease in self-confidence
Isolation
Health problems
Memory issues

When we have a physical injury – we know instinctively who to reach out to – and how to describe where and when it hurts. We’re used to people asking us “tell me where it hurts”? When it comes to our mental health and well-being the process is more complicated – and we certainly don’t want to have to wait for a crisis to seek support. Reaching out for help is a big step, and one that shows significant courage. 

Asking for help is very difficult for most of us – it is fear that stops us – and often we don’t even know what that fear is – fear can be often based on shame, stigma, embarrassment, judgement - we need to find ways to be empowered to take the risk and reach out – learning that it is okay to not be okay sometimes – be specific about what you ask for (ex. I am not managing well; I worry a lot, I struggle with relationships/work/daily life tasks, etc.) – Your needs are just as important as others – reach out to others and don’t stop until you get the help you need – recognize and realize you are not a burden – we need to normalize asking for help – know that you are not alone – the sooner we talk the sooner we get help.