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Accept support

Accepting help is a sign of strength. Everyone needs a hand at some point in life. Family and friends can be a helpful source of support. Yet sometimes it might be easier to talk to someone you don't know. When you're feeling under a great deal of strain, it's important to seek professional help, because the longer a period of psychological stress persists, the greater the risk that it worsens or leads to mental illness.

What’s your situation?

  • Are you aware of your own body and the signals it gives you, and do you pay attention to these in good time?
  • Do you believe that help is available if you ask for it?
  • What stops you from asking for support? Are you afraid of being rejected or of owing someone something?
  • Are you able to accept that other people approach tasks differently than you would?

A few ideas:

  • We all go through moments of crisis. It takes time to process setbacks, shocks and grief from an emotional point of view. Take all the time you need!
  • Focus on what you are able to do right now. If there is something that you are finding difficult or unimportant right now, ask someone else for help.
  • Take a step back: you are not responsible for everything.
  • People who care about you want to know how they can be there for you.
  • Try to articulate what would be helpful for you, and ask those around you for specific ways they can help.
  • Being there for others and receiving support in return gives life meaning and strengthens your relationships with those around you. You have probably already experienced the joy of giving.

If you are not feeling good and are looking for help or a sympathetic ear, you can find useful addresses and services here.