Counselling isn't weakness

Counselling is for everyone.

The most common phrase I hear at the first session is:
“I thought that counselling is for weak people, that's why it took me so long to start.”

We have a belief that asking for mental health support makes us weak, like we are not able to deal with our life by ourselves.

In reality, many of us did not get tools and skills on how to handle emotions, how to deal with transitions in life, and overcome difficult situations.

Some people intuitively do well. Some people saw good examples in their childhood. However, many of us did not see our parents or caregivers deal well with stress and anxiety.

When we come to a medical doctor to help us with sickness, we feel okay about it. It is widely accepted that professionals should help us with physical health.

Why don’t we make asking for help in the mental health area a new norm?

To see it as a strength to come out of hard life situations equipped with tools, skills, and professional support.

To start learning new ways to regulate, to find outlets to talk about things, and to feel received, listened to, and accepted as we are.

Asking for help should feel natural and be welcomed too.