In most recent months, the subject of mental health has been at the forefront of mainstream conversations, in part to the efforts of elite athletes that are household names. It’s encouraging to see that even those who train to be the best in their given sports recognize that it’s okay not to be okay and get help.

So, what does that mean for everyday people; people working regular hours, college students, senior citizens, children, or teens? It means that it’s okay not to be okay and get help. Concerns like depression, anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, and lack of motivation are ordinary experiences. These experiences become more of a concern when they dominate a person’s life and prevent them from enjoying life or moving forward. When some people experience depression, anxiety, anger, or (fill in the blank), they may have developed coping skills to counteract the current challenge, which allows them to continue with a regular schedule without much interference. Some of these coping skills are healthy, such as replacing unproductive thoughts with more helpful thoughts, exercising, or talking to a friend. On the other hand, coping skills such as self-harm or substance abuse only mask the issue and delay healing. If coping skills or a lack of skills lead to deterioration in a person’s regular quality of life, this is a sign to get help. So, what’s the next step?

The first step is to remember that even though your experience may cause you to feel like you are alone, you are not alone. We live in a world where millions of people share similar experiences. Some of the people in this world we call friends, family, coaches, co-workers,
neighbors, or counselors. Start by reaching out to someone you trust that can help guide you to the path of healthy healing. If talking to trusted people doesn’t result in progress, consider talking to a professional. Many clients tell me they have shared their concerns with family and friends, but it hasn’t always helped. Sometimes our friends and family mean well but having an objective perspective may be the prescription needed to begin healing. Getting professional mental health help could be necessary to start healing and moving toward the quality of life they truly desire. Getting professional mental health help shouldn’t be a hushed topic, especially since the NBA and the NFL have incorporated mental health wellness in their establishments by having mental health professionals available for their players.

Our lives have many experiences; some are rewarding, challenging, or bring us joy. It’s ok to get help with the challenging parts of life. If we were meant to go through these experiences alone, we would be the only ones on earth. It’s ok to get help and be helpful to each other. The resources in this article are also a great first step.