Ask for Help with Depression: Reasons People Don’t
There are so many reasons people don’t ask for help with depression. Dealing with this condition can be difficult and exhausting. They know that nothing in life seems better, and you are constantly worried, stressed, lonely, and sad. When you suspect that you have depression, the first thing in your mind is to keep it to yourself. Admitting that you may be struggling with this condition makes it more real and scary. You think that dealing with it on your own can make it go away and is easier.
However, asking for help only means one thing: you want to get better. It can be challenging to figure out how to ask for assistance. It is important to realize that there is no need to be scared or hesitant to seek help. Do not let the apprehension of other people’s opinions prevent you from getting the help you need.
What are the reasons people don’t ask for help with depression?
Experiencing depression does not necessarily mean that you will feel sad constantly. Feelings of distress may appear intermittently, and during the intervals, you may feel content or normal again. Some people can hide their real emotions and appear cheerful on the surface.
Acknowledging that something is amiss can be difficult, particularly with a condition like depression. Here are some of the reasons why many people choose to stay quiet about their depression.
Fear of burdening others
One of the common reasons people don’t ask for help with depression is because they do not want to be a bother to anyone. A lot of people feel vulnerable when they ask for help. It can be challenging for someone to admit that they require assistance from another person, particularly if they are accustomed to being independent and self-sufficient. It can be unsettling to imagine that they may be imposing their mental health problems on someone they care about. Nobody enjoys being a burden, and no one wants to feel dismissed when they’re already struggling.
However, as humans, we are not designed to tackle everything alone. Asking for help is a natural aspect of being human, and we rely on each other more than we realize. Therefore, it is perfectly acceptable to seek help when needed.
Mental health stigma
Despite the increasing prevalence of mental healthcare, mental health disorders are still stigmatized. Dealing with mental health issues is difficult enough on its own, but the stigma surrounding them can make it intimidating to seek help. Not everyone understands the nature of therapy or the fact that mental health is just as significant as physical health. Having a mental health disorder has no ethical worth. Living with conditions like depression does not make you a good or bad person, but that may not be the message we receive during our upbringing. Such messaging can persist and make it more difficult to seek help when necessary.
Worrying about other people’s reactions
When we have not opened up to someone about our emotions before, we may worry about their reaction. We may be concerned that they will become angry, upset, or lost for words, or that they will feel unequipped to handle our situation. We may also worry about the potential consequences of sharing our feelings and whether they will be disclosed to others.
However, we cannot predict precisely how someone will respond until we disclose our feelings to them. We do not need to share everything all at once; we can begin by discussing the things that we find easier to talk about and go from there. The person we confide in is probably someone we trust, such as a close friend, family member, or professional. They will have our best interests at heart. Therefore, whatever they say or do will be because they care for us and want us to receive the assistance we require.
Asking for help with depression is for weak
Another usual reason people don’t ask for help with depression is that they don’t want to be labeled as needy and weak. Sometimes, when you ask for help, you may feel like you are showing weakness or that you are not capable of handling things on your own. Recognize that asking for help is not a sign of weakness or failure. In fact, it is an act of courage and strength to seek support when you need it. Everyone’s recovery journey is unique, and there is no right or wrong speed for it. It is also normal to experience setbacks along the way, and it does not mean you have failed. What’s important is that we keep reaching out and do not suffer in silence.
Believing that you can handle it all alone
At times, you may avoid seeking help for depression because you believe it is a problem you should be able to manage on your own. You might view your struggles as insignificant or foolish and assume you can resolve them without assistance. Your depression may convince you that you deserve to suffer alone.
However, this mindset is inaccurate and wrong. Every person, regardless of their strength or weakness, deserves support and assistance. You must not deny depression’s existence or attempt to heal yourself without help. Recognize that you do not have to face depression alone and that seeking help is a sign of strength rather than weakness.
What happens when people don’t ask for help with depression?
Regardless of the reasons people don’t ask for help with depression, it is crucial to seek treatment. Depression can be a lonely condition, even though millions of people live with it. When you are struggling with this condition, you may feel isolated and ashamed of your feelings, leading you to withdraw from the world.
Reaching out for help, whether it is through seeking professional help or confiding in loved ones, is a critical step in breaking free from the isolation of depression. Remember that support is available, and you deserve it. With the help of others, you can overcome your struggles and no longer have to suffer in silence.
If you are struggling with depression, visit Mindshift Psychological Services. They offer depression therapy and psychotherapy for individuals dealing with depression or anxiety. Check out their website to learn more about them. You may also contact them at (714) 584-9700 to schedule an appointment.
