Reaching out for help with substance use, mental health, or trauma is a major challenge on its own. Asking for support comes with a great deal of vulnerability, and many may find it difficult to occupy this vulnerable state for several reasons. For some, this vulnerability may stand in contrast to their expected image of strength or resilience. Others can find this level of vulnerability difficult to navigate due to a lack of trust in those around them.
However, complicated issues like mental health disorders, traumatic experiences, and addiction cannot be overcome alone, and it is important to find a way to reach out for the help and support that one may need throughout these times.
Take Time to Practice
It is okay if reaching out to ask for support takes some preparation time. In fact, taking time to work out what kind of support one needs and how an individual wants to approach such delicate topics can help streamline effective communication. Being able to speak clearly while asking for support can garner more pertinent, impactful responses curated to one’s needs, and there are many ways to practice how one may want to communicate.
Rehearsing ideas to oneself in one’s head before giving them a verbal form can help collect and structure one’s thoughts effectively. Others may find success in putting their thoughts on paper and visually editing them, finding great use out of writing a letter to themselves until they feel they have written something that most clearly and effectively communicates one’s need for support. Likewise, using a mirror to rehearse or practicing by talking to a pet can all provide a way to prepare oneself for a degree of vulnerability while still in a safe and private environment.
Starting With Symptoms
Reaching out for help with addiction, mental health disorders, or trauma includes many different factors, and it can be difficult to know where to start or even what “support” may mean. In order to understand these ideas and deepen trust, it can be beneficial to begin by asking for help with specific symptoms rather than diving straight into the complicated and vulnerable world of addiction, mental health, or trauma recovery immediately.
Instead, asking for help to de-stress, get sleeping tips, get frustration out, or learn other skills that may help an individual cope with their unique situation can all be incredibly helpful. Not only can this approach help to directly confront certain symptoms, such as one’s anxiety, but it also works to begin introducing the idea of asking and receiving help for the future.
Seeing supportive people follow through and provide the help that one needs for their symptoms can be a testament to the impact others have in one’s recovery, all while building trust and breaking through feelings of isolation.
Following Through Together
Following through with support happens on both ends — both for those asking for help and those providing their support. Not only can there be expectations put upon prospective support figures to carry out their aid to an individual, but those suffering from addiction, trauma, or mental health disorders also need to follow through on the exchange. This can mean being open to the new ideas presented instead of getting defensive or antagonistic and keeping an open line of communication on how the strategies are working out.
Practicing this dialogue can continue to help refine the kind of support that an individual can provide and develop trust in a relationship until deeper conversations regarding addiction, trauma, or mental health manifest later on in one’s recovery journey.
Start With Professionals
Professionals are key players in recovery from any of these difficult issues and operate as supports because of their familiarity with these delicate situations. Calling to talk to those in the respective fields can be done anonymously and can provide great guidance. However, what makes anonymous contact with professionals exceptionally beneficial is that explaining oneself isn’t always entirely necessary.
Having someone on the other end of the line who understands the hectic, confusing, emotional, and often conflicting nature of addiction, trauma, or mental health disorders can provide a great deal of respite for one’s mind as there isn’t the stress of trying to find the “right words” all the time.
Discussing these vulnerable and complex situations can be exhausting, and being able to bypass explaining the nature of one’s feelings and having an anonymous and knowledgeable person to speak to can help each person better voice and process their own feelings, as well as situate themselves in a comfortable position for the next step in their recovery.
Reaching out for support for the first time to cope with substance use, trauma, or mental health disorders is a tremendous step forward in your recovery. Taking this step is monumental for your dedication to your well-being and should be celebrated as such. At Everlast Recovery Center, we champion those who brave their vulnerable state and are ready to help you continue your path towards a healthy, sober lifestyle. Our home-like atmosphere can help you feel more at ease throughout difficult times, allowing you to focus on yourself and your own needs. Our supportive community of peers and professionals are prepared to help you understand your situation while providing impactful strategies and life skills along the way. Your time with us can be personalized to fit your needs, between individual therapy, group therapy, experiential practices, and much more. For more information on how we can help you or to speak to one of our caring, trained staff members today, call us at (866) 338-6925.
