Hold My Hand - Why Asking For Help is the Bravest Thing You Can Do

Asking for help: seemingly the simplest of tasks, often the most difficult. Admitting that we are struggling, that we can't manage on our own, can be really scary, but I'm here to tell you that reaching out isn't weak - it's the bravest thing you can do.

There is no honour in powering through and struggling alone: human beings are not made to live on our own, we are built to thrive in communities, supporting and helping each other. Imagine one of your loved ones was hurting, and asked for your help. Would you turn them away? I'll bet the answer is a resounding no; the answer is the same if I asked your loved ones if they would turn you down if you reached out. After all, you know what they say: a problem shared is a problem halved.

Even if those around us aren't able to offer a solution to whatever is weighing on our minds, often just speaking out loud and attempting to explain your feelings will offer you relief, and help you to rationalise your thinking. And who knows, your friends and family might have some useful insights too.

I know that for many people, it can be intimidating to think of admitting to loved ones that we need help, but to this I present you two points. Firstly - and I have touched on this briefly already - people want to help. People love to feel useful, and we love to look after the people we care about, and you may find too that the person you speak to could do with a hand as well. Secondly, if that feels impossible, there are other people you can speak to, confidentially, whether that's a trained counsellor, or someone on the end of the phone or a text message. For this, I will pop some links below:

Home - Kooth

Meditation and Sleep Made Simple - Headspace

Calm - The #1 App for Meditation and Sleep

 To get help in a crisis you can:

• Contact your GP

• Call 111 and select mental health option

• Contact the Samaritans on 116 123, 0114 276 7277

Sending love and support as always.

Amelia x