Because I Said So—S2E17: I Need Help

In this episode, I bring you all along in real time as I decide to seek out a mental health professional, right before I have my first appointment, and the thoughts and emotions afterwards.

In all honesty, I've been putting this off for a long time, but with the conversation surrounding Suicide Prevention Month, I decided that I was tired. Thoughts, fears, beliefs--an incessant siege on my brain that I had grown too tolerant to finally appeared urgent to me. 

It is easy to post an infographic about suicide, and it truly is a lovely way to create conversation that truly helps people. This year, though, I wanted to be genuine--it is hard to seek help for any mental health crisis, and it can be just as hard to admit that, branding yourself with the label of "vulnerable." In weakness, we find strength in our humanity, and we allow space for finding strength in one another. 

Sending love always.

RESOURCES:

--National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI)--Text NAMI to 741741

--Online support groups

• After Silence (aftersilence.org) -- victims of sexual violence
  
  
• Eating Disorder Hope (eatingdisorderhope.com/recovery/support-groups/online) -- ED's
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website (afsp.org) -- Grieving someone who died of suicide, survivor

--Open Counseling: Free or Affordable Counseling in Your Area (https://www.opencounseling.com/)