Ways to Curb Your Shame Toward Mental Health Problems

If you’ve ever had to make an appointment at a professional psychology clinic in Bedford and then felt a sense of guilt or shame, then we have to tell you it’s an unfortunately common occurrence and you’re not alone. People all over the country, and through much of the world, are constantly second guessing themselves when it comes to seeking help for mental health problems, allowing common stigmas and shame tactics to hold them back.

As part of a bigger effort to overcome these stigmas, those people who do decide to take the step to seek help for mental health problems should do everything they can to rid themselves of their own negative feelings about it. It might be hard to change other people’s minds, but there’s plenty we can do to convince ourselves that we’re doing the right thing:

• Educate Yourself

Go to authoritative sources and learn everything you can about not just your own condition or symptoms, but those of other kinds of mental health disorders. You’ll discover that what you’re going through is really no different to any other kind of illness, and that you need support just in the same way that people with physical illnesses like diabetes do.

Through good information, you’ll also quickly learn that to not seek help will cause you more harm. Mental health problems need to be addressed and tackled in the same sense that any physical ailment does, and to leave it unattended is to allow it to take further hold and to spread. Contrary to some people’s (uneducated) beliefs, you can’t simply wish away mental health problems.

• It’s Empowerment, Not Shame

You might have baulked at the shame or embarrassment you initially experienced when reaching out to make your therapy appointment, but you need to remember that the real thing you’re giving yourself is neither of those things, but empowerment. Yes, you are empowering yourself to take control of your healthcare, and actively taking steps to make improvements in your quality of life. That’s a good thing, and you should never forget it!

• Seek Others Who Share Your New Mindset

If you feel you are surrounded by people and online voices who are somewhat negative about seeking therapy or solutions to mental health problems, then it’s better for yourself to try and find some connections to like-minded people who will support you at this time of need. Sometimes, hearing from others who are going through the same thing as you and can relate to you is an important thing to do.

• Remember That These Problems Have Affected Great People in History

One of the most crushing and common issues people face when dealing with these kinds of health problems is that they feel they are alone. If no one in their immediate family or friend circle is going through the same thing, they can feel isolated, almost like they have been cruelly picked out of millions of people to uniquely suffer. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

First of all, the WHO estimates that about a quarter of all people in the world will experience mental health problems at some point in their lives. What’s more, it has happened to apparently strong and incredible people in history, such as the depressed Martin Luth King Jr., renowned physicist Isaac Newton and his apparent bipolar and possible autism, not to mention Princess Diana with depression and bulimia…believe us, you are actually in mighty company.

• It’s More Common Than You Know

This brings us neatly to the last point, which is that you’ve no reason to feel ashamed, because mental health struggles are more common than you know. Be part of a larger solution by joining the multitudes of people now seeking help!