Written by: Help Clinic Canada on 10 May 2024 
Asking for Help
In our journey towards mental wellness, reaching out for support is not only encouraged but celebrated as a proactive step towards nurturing our emotional well-being. Despite the increasing awareness surrounding mental health, many Canadians may hesitate to seek support when facing emotional challenges.
Recent findings from Statistics Canada’s Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) reveal that approximately 50% of Canadians who reported experiencing emotional distress, such as mood fluctuations or anxiety, within the past year sought professional assistance (1). There is a notable gap between the prevalence of emotional challenges and the utilization of available support services.
Asking for help is a natural and vital aspect of life. It signifies strength, resilience, and a willingness to prioritize our mental wellness. We need not wait until we are overwhelmed by distress to seek support; rather, reaching out proactively can serve as a preventive measure to safeguard our mental well-being.
Every individual deserves access to support and resources to navigate life’s challenges. Whether seeking guidance from a trusted friend, confiding in a supportive family member, or consulting a mental health professional, reaching out for support fosters connection, validation, and empowerment.
By embracing support as a fundamental aspect of self-care, we create a culture where seeking assistance is normalized and encouraged. It is a testament to our commitment to nurturing our mental wellness and fostering a community of compassion and understanding.
Barriers
Barriers to asking for help due to mental health concerns can be multifaceted and entrenched within societal norms, attitudes, and systems. Addressing these barriers requires a collective effort from various stakeholders, including policymakers, mental health professionals, communities, and individuals themselves. Here are some common barriers and potential solutions:
1. Stigma and Discrimination
Stigma surrounding mental health remains one of the most significant barriers to asking for help. Fear of judgment, discrimination, and social exclusion can prevent individuals from disclosing their struggles and seeking support.
How might we solve this?
Education and awareness campaigns aimed at debunking myths, challenging stereotypes, and promoting mental health literacy can help reduce stigma. Encouraging open conversations about mental health in schools, workplaces, and communities can foster understanding and empathy. Media representation that portrays mental health issues accurately and sensitively can also contribute to reducing stigma.
2. Lack of Access to Services
Limited access to mental health services, including long wait times, geographical barriers, and financial constraints, can hinder help-seeking behaviour.
How might we solve this?
Investing in the enhancement of mental health services, particularly in underserved areas and marginalized communities, is crucial. This may involve increasing funding for mental health programs, training more mental health professionals, and implementing innovative service delivery models such as virtual services and community-based initiatives. Additionally, addressing structural barriers to access, such as affordability and transportation, can improve service utilization.
3. Cultural and Societal Norms
Cultural beliefs, societal expectations, and gender norms can influence help-seeking behaviour, with some communities placing a greater emphasis on self-reliance and stoicism.
How might we solve this?
Culturally tailored approaches that acknowledge and respect diverse beliefs, values, and experiences are essential. Engaging community leaders and cultural institutions in mental health promotion efforts can help bridge cultural divides and foster culturally sensitive support networks. Providing culturally competent mental health services that address the unique needs and preferences of diverse populations can also enhance accessibility and acceptability.
4. Perceived Ineffectiveness of Treatment
Concerns about the efficacy of treatment or negative experiences with mental health professionals may deter individuals from seeking help.
How might we solve this?
Promoting evidence-based treatments and therapies that have been proven effective for various mental health conditions can build trust and confidence in mental health services. Empowering individuals to participate actively in their treatment decisions and offering personalized, holistic approaches that address their unique needs and preferences can enhance engagement and retention in care. Training mental health professionals in patient-centred care, empathy, and cultural humility can improve the quality of therapeutic relationships and outcomes.
5. Lack of Awareness and Mental Health Literacy
Many individuals may not recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health issues or may underestimate the impact of their struggles on their well-being.
How might we solve this?
Implementing mental health education programs in schools, workplaces, and communities can increase awareness and promote early intervention. Providing resources and information about mental health, coping strategies, and available support services through various channels, including digital platforms, social media, and community outreach, can empower individuals to recognize when they need help and where to seek it.
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a courageous acknowledgment of our human need for connection and support.
Together, we can cultivate a culture where reaching out for assistance is embraced as a proactive step towards holistic well-being.
Book a free consultation with a therapist today.
Resources:
Mental Health Support: Get Help
Seeking Help for a Mental Health Problem
References:
- Stephenson, E. (2023). Mental disorders and access to mental health care. Insights on Canadian Society, (2023001), 1-13. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/75-006-x/2023001/article/00011-eng.htm
