Overcoming Stigma of Seeking Help

  •   Tue, Sep 10 2024
  •   By Dr Deepa Kotari

September 10, 2024

“Don’t be shy about asking for help. It does not mean you are weak; it only means you are wise.” With World Suicide Prevention Day is on September 10 and this year’s theme being “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” The aim of the theme is to raise awareness about the importance of changing the narrative surrounding suicide and transforming how we perceive this complex issue. Changing the narrative requires systemic change. It’s about shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support, hence it is crucial to build awareness around normalizing help-seeking behaviour. We need to break the stigma surrounding this behaviour and view it as strength rather than a weakness.

As individuals grow through their developmental life span and reach adolescence, they begin to take on more responsibilities, make independent decisions, and manage their finances. This phase of life is often associated with the idea of 'Adulting', which is closely tied to independence. Developmental Psychologist Erik Erikson emphasizes in his ‘Psychosocial stages of Development’ the importance of ‘Identity versus Role confusion’ during adolescence. One significant psychosocial change in adolescence is the need for independence. This drive for self-reliance can lead to the belief that seeking help is a sign of weakness or incompetence. This flawed perspective can hinder personal growth and well-being.

It is time to change the dialogue surrounding help-seeking behavior. Here are a few ways we can do this:

  • Understand Independence and Help-Seeking: Independence involves functioning without being overly reliant on others, while asking for help is about recognizing our limitations and seeking support when needed.
  • Eliminate the Shame: We need to remove the stigma and shame associated with seeking help.
  • Reframe Internal Dialogues: Train yourself to consider asking for help not as a sign of weakness, but an indication of strength and the ability to embrace your vulnerabilities.
  • Appreciate Support: Instead of feeling guilty about relying on others, be grateful for the support available and acknowledge and appreciate the help offered to you.
  • Know Your Resources: Be informed about the various services available to you during difficult times, especially from mental health experts, Doctors, Consultants, or Career counselors. Understand that there are professionals who can assist you if needed.

To sum up, we must recognize that adulting also involves taking care of our own well-being. The next time you face tough emotions or challenging situations, remember that help is just a call away. There is no shame in seeking help. As Charlotte says, “Admitting that you need help doesn’t make you broken. It makes you fixable and teachable.”

 

 

 
By Dr Deepa Kotari
Dr Deepa Kotari is director at Alvas Centre for wellness Training and associate professor in psychology, Alvas College Moodbidiri.
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Comment on this article

  • Harsha Paul.S, Mangalore

    Fri, Sep 13 2024

    Very apt and relevant write up,especially in present context of increased issues of need for mental health and well being awareness among general public and specially highly ambitious individuals.

  • Rita, Germany

    Tue, Sep 10 2024

    Dear Dr,how right you are .People feel shy ,and and isolated ,dont want to contact anyone thinking what they will think about me?How many lives would have saved ,only if they go to a specialist or call someone to without saying their name ,want help.There are annonymous hotlines to seek help .Not only in very bad times but when a woman delivers a baby and dont want to nurse anymore ,so abandon it?This poor creature is innocent ,sometimes people throw in dust bin.Good you picked up this thema .Hope in future people may seek help and atleast one life will be saved .


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