Help-seeking is defined as the behaviour of actively seeking external assistance. The help obtained from others can be received in the form of information, treatment or general support in response to a problem or a distressing experience.
We engage in help-seeking in various scenarios. Asking a friend for notes, a colleague for assistance or your mother asking you to help out with chores. These examples are common occurrences of help-seeking. But we can also seek help for less tangible areas of our life, such as our mental health. This includes seeking help if you feel anxious during exams, experience burnout at your workplace or find it difficult to say no. However, we often do not hesitate to seek help in the first set of instances but are tormented with feelings of guilt and shame when wanting to seek help for our mental well-being.
According to a study by WHO in India (2015), one in five people may suffer from depression in their lifetime, yet only 10-12% of them will seek help.
One of the reasons is how our society and culture views mental health and help-seeking. Since childhood, we are reinforced with stereotypes such as “people who seek help are weak” or “do not let others know about your problems”. Not only does this make it difficult for individuals to seek help but also trivialises the importance of help-seeking in difficult situations.
This is an all too familiar portrayal of our society’s approach towards mental health issues. While there is no one to blame for this perception, there is a pressing need to start addressing this stigma now more than ever. The million dollar question is how can one seek help in our society?
Step 1: Identify the Need for Help
With stereotypes and preconceived notions running rampant in our minds about mental health issues, it may be easy to brush them off, not acknowledge them and if acknowledged, feel ashamed to bring it up. To address these concerns, we must be aware of the signs of distress, such as:
Significant decline in academic or work performance
Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
Hyperactivity/decreased energy
Excessive worry/anxiety
Use of substances to cope with difficult times
Burdened with negative thoughts and emotions
Physical complaints that are not traceable to a physical injury/illness
These warning signs are helpful in a primary diagnosis, allowing you or your loved ones to become aware and acknowledge the need for help-seeking.
Step 2: Address the Stigma
Despite this awareness, we may hesitate to seek help due to the stigma around us. Reflecting on how we can have conversations with our parents, friends or relatives where we discuss the feelings that we experience is vital. The stigma around mental health has been passed down from generations. Thus, becoming aware of the myths associated with mental health problems should not be overlooked.
Here are some common cultural myths to watch out for:
Mental illness being viewed as something that stains the family’s reputation
Mental illness being associated with folklores like being possessed
Symptoms of mental illness being viewed as ‘bad behaviour’ or acting out
General lack of awareness, leading people to believe all can be solved with mere guidance from adults
Debunking these myths with your loved ones with empathy can help break the vicious cycle of stigma.
Step 3: Find Sources of Help-Seeking
Thanks to the internet, there is no dearth of quality, affordable care that can be accessed from the comfort of your homes. There are several ways to seek help depending on your concern and preferences, such as:
Professional therapy and individual counselling
Group therapy
Rehabilitation for co-morbid issues of substance use
Crisis helplines
Online chat/call centres
Building a strong support network of family and friends. Connecting to one that resonates with you is imperative.
Although India has been progressing in terms of mental health, the onus still lies on us to connect ourselves to the help we may need and address our mental health concerns. It is time that we start navigating these age-old beliefs and unlearn them with awareness and self-reflection. We must also seek help when needed and at the same time, redefine help-seeking so others may be encouraged to do the same. Reshaping how we define mental health can also help those around us understand that mental health issues are just a part of you, not all of you. It does not make a person “crazy”, “overly sensitive” or a “burden on others”, but strong and resilient in the sense that they are not afraid to put themselves first and break taboos that have existed far beyond their time and thus, live an enriching life.
Please tell us your thoughts on this here.
References
John Hopkins Medicine. Knowing when to seek treatment. Article.
Rickwood D, Deane FP, Wilson C, Ciarrochi J. (2005) Young people’s help-seeking for mental health problems. Advances in Mental Health.
World Economic Forum (2018) 5 charts that reveal how India sees mental health. Article.
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