Is Self Help For Me?

When was the last time you advised a friend to seek therapy and they denied it with all the confidence they have? You might think that they are just denying their situation but didn’t we all grow up this way? Aren’t we all unconsciously conditioned to avoid doctors until and unless it’s very necessary?  

The thought that we have to visit a doctor creates anxiety in us, the anxiety of ‘what will happen. Now the big question here is, how to lower this anxiety, how to help these people or even ourselves?  

Help ourselves? Is it possible?… Yes, it is.

Psychology talks about the concept of “Self Help” which means anybody can work towards resolving the issues and problems they are facing in any field of their life on their own by choosing the right techniques.

Self-help can be beneficial for resolving smaller issues without any external or professional help. It is not just about resolving issues but also about building a habit, bringing changes in attitude, behaviour, or lifestyle, and many other aspects of life which you want to enhance but just cannot because you are unaware of how to do so.

Prerequisite for self-help  

To follow self-help there are a few things that you should always keep in mind.

Be Mindful about yourself: Being mindful is about being aware of what’s happening in your body, mind, and surroundings. Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, mood, sleep cycle, meal routine, work plans, workout routines, or any other task that you do in your day. You can do it by making daily planners and trackers. Journaling is one of the most effective ways of expressing and also knowing your thoughts and feelings. This will help you to identify the problem areas.

Be honest with yourself: They say when you accept the problem the battle is half won.  After knowing the areas that are causing trouble to you, you need to be honest with yourself in accepting them. Always remember that any issue does not define you, it is just sometimes a lot of emotion to process or a situation that is new to you and all you need is some time to handle it efficiently.  

Look for a reliable source: Once you have accepted the situation, it's time to look for what needs to be done and to prepare an action plan. You can find millions of suggestions and webpages, social media influencers, and books giving you advice on things you should and shouldn't do. But, be careful. Always check the relatability of the source you are referring to. Check the origin of the source and the qualifications of the author.

It is difficult to make lasting changes because many of our habits are deeply ingrained and some of our core personality traits may not change. However, every behaviour and trait can be altered to varying degrees. It is never too late to make changes, and it is possible to become the person you want to be—or at least someone closer to it—with effort and determination.

It's better to work on yourself than to do nothing. Self-help is just as effective as individual therapy from a trained clinician, depending on the situation. In most cases, the best information to use is that which has been reviewed by other scientists. Self-help can be effective if done well.

HappiMynd has a wide range of self-help tools that empower you to reach your maximum potential. Download our app to start your journey toward a healthier and happier life.