Perhaps you have seen the meme going around, the one with the text that reads something like:
Being an adult means saying things like “if I can just get through these two weeks” for the rest of your life.
That probably rings true, right? Our schedules tend to be so overwhelming that we often have to give ourselves a pep talk—things will be better in two weeks!—just to keep ourselves going. But at the end of the two weeks in question, it is easy to conclude that the next two weeks will be just as bad…as will the next two weeks…and so on.
That sense that you cannot possibly add anything new to your schedule for at least two weeks can work to your advantage. When you really do not want to do something, it is a line you can use to put off the ask. With luck, you can avoid doing the thing you do not want to do indefinitely.
Sometimes, however, you might use the idea of a full-to-bursting schedule to try to get out of something you know you really should do but are reluctant to pursue. That might include, for example, citing your busy schedule as a reason you cannot get help for a mental health disorder.
A busy schedule is not the only reason you might be putting off getting treatment that could help you effectively address a mental health challenge. Let’s look at a few notions that might be holding you back.
A Feeling of Embarrassment
It is unfortunately the case that society has long stigmatized mental health disorders. For that reason, many people are extremely reluctant to admit that they are struggling with one of the many forms of depression, with an anxiety or panic disorder, or with an issue centered on traumatic experiences.
If that sounds familiar to you, you might be concerned that members of your family will judge you. You might be worried that your friends or members of your faith community will look askance at your decision to pursue mental health care. Or you might fear that your coworkers or boss will find out and your career will suffer as a result.
We can’t promise that no one in your life will give you a hard time about a mental health disorder. But we can promise that treatment provides help and hope so that any mental health challenge you face is less likely to hold you back.
A Spirit of Independence
Maybe you are not embarrassed about your mental health disorder at all. After all, many, many people struggle with their mental health, so you might figure (quite rightly, in fact) that you have nothing to be ashamed of.
But you still might be reluctant to get help because you have a firm belief that you should be self-reliant. You want to overcome the problem on your own rather than turning to others.
We happily acknowledge that a healthy amount of self-reliance is often a good thing. But we would also point out that no matter how self-reliant you are, there are likely times when you need to call in an expert to help you address a problem.
Car won’t start and you don’t know much about the inner workings of your vehicle? Time to call a mechanic. Planning an important business trip to a place where you do not speak the local language? Time to hire an interpreter. Struggling with your mental well-being? Time to seek out qualified mental health professionals.
Not Knowing Where to Turn
The seeking out of qualified mental health professionals can, in and of itself, be a barrier for some people. The very thought of trying to choose among various treatment options might simply be overwhelming.
We get that. But we also know that in the modern world, where you can research almost anything online, you can explore the mental health providers in your community. You are looking for a place that treats the issue you believe you are dealing with, is staffed by individuals with expertise and experience, is fully accredited, and accepts your insurance.
Once you have identified some options, you can likely find some patient reviews or even schedule an exploratory appointment or complete an introductory assessment. With some research and stick-to-itiveness, you can find a place where you are comfortable so that you can access the services you need.
Peak View Stands Ready to Serve
Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Peak View Behavioral Health provides personalized mental health care to adolescents, adults, and families. We offer inpatient and outpatient programs as well as treatment for substance use disorders that may be entangled with your mental health disorder.
When you learn more about who we are and how we help, you may discover we are an excellent fit for your specific needs. Our staff is made up of mental health experts with years of experience and an unwavering spirit of empathy. If you need to make a change related to your mental health, the team at Peak View Behavioral Health is ready to help.
