5 Ways to Reach Out for Help When You are Afraid

At some point, almost everyone deals with a mental health issue. Yet, discovering that you need help can leave you feeling afraid of what other people will think. This is especially true if you are young and need to tell your parents that you are struggling with tough issues such as depression or self-harm. You might even be afraid of getting in trouble if you have been abusing drugs or alcohol. While reaching out is hard, it is possible to find the help you need by using these five tips even when you are feeling scared.

1. Know That Being Afraid Is Normal

Fear is a natural reaction when something is wrong. Just as you might feel a little scared on the first day of school, it is also normal to be afraid when you don’t know what to expect. Feeling extremely sad or finding it hard not to drink alcohol are meant to inspire a little fear since that is what it takes to drive someone to get help. The important thing is to realize that you can’t let fear stop you from reaching out.

2. Identify If You Are Dealing With an Emergency

There are some times when it is not okay to wait to get help. For example, thinking about suicide or thoughts of doing serious harm to someone else requires taking quick action. If this is why you are afraid, then call 9-1-1 or tell an adult right now so that they can get you the help you need before it leads to serious tragedy. Don’t let being afraid of getting in trouble stop you because the adults who respond will be proud that you took action to prevent something worse from happening.

3. Consider Using a Springboard to Approach Your Parents

A springboard is just a way to bring up a difficult topic with someone that can help. For example, you might show your parents something you read online that relates to your problem. This could be a meme, a story on the news or a short video that depicts depression, drug abuse or an eating disorder. Once you’ve showed your parents, talk to them about why you found this thing meaningful and the reasons why you know that you need help.

4. Find a Trusted Adult

When you are too afraid to talk to your parents, there is usually another trusted adult that you can turn to for help. This might be a coach, mentor, a doctor or just a friend’s mom or dad that you feel like you can talk to without being judged. While your parents will still need to know what is going on with you, this adult can walk you through the process of getting help.

5. Put It In Writing

It is sometimes too hard to find the words when you are struggling with painful emotions. This is why writing a letter for help is beneficial for many teens. You can write about your struggles to your parents, or you can send an email requesting assistance to a treatment program for teens that addresses your difficulties. Once you write your request for help, make sure that it gets to the right person, and be prepared to follow their suggestions for making yourself feel better.

Take Action - Get Help Today

Justin Wells, CEO of Westwind Recovery, said, "When we allow ourselves to feel this fear, we let it drain our confidence and, sometimes, our feelings of self-worth." Asking for help takes courage, but you should know that the fear you feel right now goes away instantly the moment you get that positive response. Letting the adults around you know that you are struggling is the first step toward feeling better, and it is likely that their reaction will be far more reassuring than you expect. Make the decision to ditch the fear and reach out for help today. By doing so, you will be on your way to finding greater happiness tomorrow.