A lot of people feel that seeking help makes them look weak and vulnerable, however, that is not true. It is a sign of strength and reflects your ability to put trust in your relations. Asking for help becomes important when you face a challenging situation that goes out of control and poses a threat to your mental health. It may seem difficult at first but you must learn to seek help without feeling any guilt or shame.

When you discuss your struggles with others, it becomes possible to get a new perspective regarding the situation and learn different ways to cope. Support should be sought in a manner that specifies your needs and the kind of help you are looking forward to.

You should stay mindful of the following things while asking for help:

Overcome your assumptions

You might often feel that people would think ill of you and perceive you as someone weak or lazy or might deny helping you out. In such situations, reminding yourself that it is only a groundless thought is imperative.

Approach the right social group

While you seek help, ensure that you rely on the right kind of social support. In the case of a particular skill set or task, you might want to approach the person who holds a good knowledge of it. Whereas, in need of emotional support, relying on your close ones is preferable. These are the people who would make an effort to understand you without forming a judgement and make you feel heard. In some cases, professional help can also be required.

Be assertive

Being assertive while communicating lets you express yourself and put forward your standpoint, emotions, and ideas while being considerate towards others. Be specific and open while stating your problems so that the other person can engage, understand and get in a position to empathize with you. While communicating, do not forget to mention the following:

What caused the problem

Since how long has it been existing

And what is its overall impact on you

Be specific about your needs

State your needs in a way that the person understands the kind of help being sought and the ways in which they could come forward and provide support. Your needs should be specific, attainable, and relevant. Being vague can cause confusion and result in futile efforts.

Be grateful

Always be thankful if others offer help in your time of need. Those around you shouldn’t feel like their efforts aren’t being acknowledged else they might not take an initiative the next time. Simply saying ‘thank you’ or reciprocating with similar gestures can help you express gratitude.

Conclusion – It is always a wise decision to ask for help when problems seem uncontrollable and start to interfere with your day-to-day functioning. It is an art that requires effort to be acquired and mastered. At first, it can be overwhelming but if sought in the right manner it can help you achieve the purpose.

To know more about the Fortis Workplace Mental Health Initiative write to us at mentalhealth@fortishealthcare.com or call on +918588807193.

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