More than 18% of the population can be diagnosed with a mental illness during their lives. That is almost 1 in 5 people. In comparison: on average, 17% of the population ends up in the hospital sometime during their lives. Having mental health problems is therefore not uncommon. Some elite athletes for example have more anxious feelings, more trouble with a negative self-image and trouble with stress. In addition, celebrities also experience mental health problems and some are even open about it.
Despite the common presence of mental health problems a lot people find it difficult to get help. Some reasons for not wanting to see a therapist are: feelings of shame, a sense of weakness and the believe you failed managing life problems. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma, or negative view, attached to mental health. This stigma can lead to people having the feeling that they failed in life and that it is their own fault that they are experiencing mental issues. But be aware, you are not on your own.
Symptoms
You should get help when you have the feeling that you can not deal with your mental health problems on your own. Do you have the feeling that your mood is really down the last couple of weeks? Or do you experience a substantial increase in stress, tension and/or anxiety and do you have the feeling it is getting worse? These are signs of a decreased mental health and can be reasons to search or ask for help. A low energy level, trouble with sleeping and emotional problems (e.g. less control over your emotions, heavy mood swings or frequent emotions that blown are out of proportion) can also be an indication to ring the bell.
The first step
You are not the only person on earth experiencing mental health problems. Mental health problems are just as common as the flu and you are allowed to ask for help. If you would break your arm right now, would you also assume that it is going to be fixed by itself? Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of growth. The knowledge and skills you do not possess, can be taught to you by someone who has studied for it and works in the field.
A professional can teach you skills so that you know how to handle or cope with certain situations. This way you will become stronger and this will only be an addition to your personal growth. Put yourself and your (mental) health first and take action to work on yourself.
Do you still find it difficult to get in touch with a health care centre? It can be very confronting and frightening to approach a professional. It may help to ask someone you trust to help you with approaching or searching for a professional. Handing it over to someone else can ease the burden and can be a motivation to take action at the same time.
Where can I find help?
At NiceDay, there is a team of professionals ready to help you get rid of anxiety, depressive symptoms or a burn-out. Download the free NiceDay app to see what our professionals can do for you!
Do you have the feeling that everything around you feels strange and different? Do you see things that are not real or do you experience huge amounts of stress caused by food? Then contact your general practitioner. Your general practitioner can direct you or refer you to the right specialists. When you have experience suicidal thoughts we advise you to get in touch with the suicide lifeline as soon as possible.
