Belleville Counseling Associates

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Coping with Challenges in Today's World
"Getting help means I'm weak." "Everyone else does it alone. Why can't I?" These ideas are myths that
keep us locked in unhealthy and damaging patterns. Everyone else doesn't do it alone; support from others
and meaningful connections are paramount to mental health. Recognizing and getting help when needed is a
sign of insight, strength, and courage, not weakness.

This tendency to isolate ourselves and "buck up" to do it alone is accepted by our culture, but is not always
a healthy impulse. How many successful people have climbed to the top without any assistance from
anyone else? To answer that question, just pay attention to most award speeches or read the
"acknowledgements" section of books, dozens of people have supported those who reach the top. In fact,
most successful people have a network of supporters including family, friends, and professional allies.

Those of us who lead "average lives" need support as well. Our families and friends can help, but some
problems are more complicated than what a friend of loved one can help with. Support from a professional
counselor can provide a necessary connection to understand and cope with complicated problems. If you
or a loved one are suffering from a mental illness, a family change, or an individual problem that just won't
go away, you may benefit from professional help.