Asking for directions or assistance when you’re lost is usually a simple process. However, when it comes to your mental health it’s not always easy to put your hand up and ask for help.

Often you choose to go it alone because this a familiar route. Other times, finding the road to recovery can feel confusing or overwhelming, like looking at a map in a foreign country.  

When we’re having a tough time, feeling burnt out or not coping under pressure, asking for help to get back on track can feel particularly hard. 

The long and winding road to help

There are many reasons why people struggle to get the mental health support they need when they need it. For some people, it is difficult due to the way in which they view the process of seeking help.

For example, one might: 

• prefer to solve problems on their own 
• dislike talking about their feelings or thoughts with someone else 
• not think therapy or treatment can help 
• be worried about what therapy could involve 
• think that the problem will go away on its own 
• have had challenges or negative experiences when seeking help in the past 
• not know how to explain how you feel or the difficulties you’re facing

Asking for help can also be difficult because of concerns about how you might be seen by others, and stigma towards mental health and help-seeking.

For example, you might: 

• feel ashamed or like a failure telling someone that you’re struggling 
• be concerned that others will view you as ‘weak’ for asking for help  
• be concerned that others will find out that you are receiving professional treatment 

And then there are also a number of practical challenges when it comes to getting help.

For example, you might: 

• not know where to start 
• be worried about the costs  
• have tried to get help and been turned away or added to a waitlist 
• find it hard to take time off work or caring responsibilities 
• not be sure who you can trust with your confidential information 

Reaching out for help takes courage

While accessing research-backed treatment has never been easier, sometimes taking the first step is the hardest. You are not alone. 

Remember, recognising things aren’t quite right and acknowledging you could use some help is a strength not a weakness. 

If you have an inkling that something isn’t right, it’s never too early to take action. Talking to a health professional is a good place to start but if that’s out of reach or you’re not ready to talk, there are other options. THIS WAY UP’s online mental health treatments address many of the barriers noted above, and can teach you the skills to manage tough times and overcome life’s challenges.  

The online treatment programs will teach you Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), which is the best evidence-based treatment for anxiety, depression and stress. You’ll learn how to reduce negative thinking and change your behaviours to feel more connected, engaged and active in your life.   

If you’re finding it difficult to reach out for help because you’re worried about the process of asking for help, it can be helpful to think back to a time in the past where you’ve overcome hardship. Think of how you moved forward from that difficult place. What helped? Which resources did you use to improve the situation? How did you support yourself, and how did you seek help from others? These are all strengths you can use again to improve how you’re feeling now. You don’t have to solve the problem all at once, it’s just about taking the first step.  

Therapy on demand

THIS WAY UP treatments are available on demand, and best of all, it’s in your hands.  The programs are online, affordable, discreet, and private. While you can complete the programs under the supervision of a clinician, it’s also possible to complete them in a self-guided way, with no referral or clinician involvements necessary. 

Taking action to invest in yourself and boost your coping skills is as normal as taking the car into the mechanic or repair shop for a service. THIS WAY UP can help signpost your recovery and guide you in the right direction to get the support and connection you need.  

Check out THIS WAY UP’s online Take-A-Test Tool to see how you’re travelling so we can fast track you back on the road to recovery. If you’re not sure whether digital treatments are the right fit for you, try talking to your GP or health professional about the many pathways and services available. We also have some tips on how to start these conversations with your GP here.