Self Imposed Stigma

IF you are not well, tell yourself that you must get help. Not next week or next month, but tomorrow. If you are suffering from an illness, the most difficult words to say are; I need help. And if you are dealing with a mental illness, it’s that much harder.

When your computer breaks down, you don’t hesitate to call a technician. And when your faucet leaks, you call a plumber, so, why is it so problematic to make an appointment to visit a therapist, a psychologist or a psychiatrist? Could it be due to the mistaken belief that asking for help is a sign of weakness? We are in the year 2014 and people from all walks of life seek therapy nowadays.

I think that much of the stigma lies in our own thoughts and beliefs about the issue at hand. If I think that I am weak due to the fact that I admit to needing therapy, then I will probably believe that others have the same view.

When my son need the help of therapists, I was aware of the stigma, but after attending two support groups, I no longer allowed those feelings to surface and do you know what? My life changed drastically for the better.

Try it.