Loading...

Getting Extra Help is a Smart Move

Getting Extra Help
All Articles
Let’s be honest, sometimes life feels like you’re trying to solve a really hard math problem while everyone else has the answer. Your brain gets stuck, your stomach feels funny, and you just wish you knew what to do. That feeling is a signal, and it’s totally okay to listen to it. Getting extra help isn’t a sign that you’re broken or not smart. It’s actually the complete opposite. It’s a sign that you’re strong enough to know when you need a hand, and that’s one of the smartest things a person can do.

Think about it like this: if you were trying to get better at soccer, you wouldn’t just kick a ball against a wall by yourself forever. You’d get a coach to show you new moves. If you were learning guitar, you’d watch videos or take lessons to learn the chords. Our feelings and worries are the same way. Sometimes we need someone to coach us through the tough stuff. This person can be a school counselor, a therapist, or even a trusted adult who is a really good listener. Their job isn’t to tell you what to do, but to give you the tools to figure things out for yourself.

Talking to someone gives you a safe place to unpack all the thoughts jumbled up in your head. It’s like cleaning out a messy backpack. When everything is piled in, you can’t find your homework and you feel overwhelmed. But when you take everything out and look at each piece one by one, it suddenly feels a lot more manageable. A good helper listens without judgment and helps you sort through those thoughts. They might help you see that a worry is smaller than it seems, or they might help you practice what to say to a friend who upset you.

Starting the conversation is the hardest part, but it’s also the most important. You can keep it simple. Try saying something like, “I’ve been feeling really worried lately and I’d like to talk to someone about it,“ or “Can I talk to you about what’s on my mind?“ The person you ask will likely be glad you trusted them enough to speak up. Remember, asking for help isn’t giving up. It’s refusing to give up all by yourself. It’s choosing to get a guide for a tough part of the trail so you can keep on hiking and finally enjoy the view.

Related Articles

Learn more about Getting Extra Help.

All Articles

Getting Extra Help: A Friendly Guide to Taming Your Thoughts

Sometimes, our brains can feel like a browser with too many tabs open at once.
Learn More

Talking to Your Doctor About Medication for Anxiety

Sometimes, doing things like taking deep breaths or going for a walk just isn’t enough to calm your anxiety.
Learn More

Why Talking to a Food Expert Can Calm Your Nerves

Feeling worried or anxious can be really tough.
Learn More

Quick Tips

What if the first person I talk to doesn’t understand?

If the first person you talk to doesn’t seem to get it, please don’t give up. Sometimes people need a little time to understand, or they might not know the right thing to say. Your feelings are important and deserve to be heard. Try talking to a different trusted adult, like another family member, a teacher, or a school counselor. It’s okay to “shop around” for the right person to help you until you find someone who listens well.

I’m nervous about asking for help. What can I do?

It’s completely normal to feel nervous about asking for help! It can feel scary. A good trick is to plan what you want to say beforehand. You could write it down in a note or a text if saying it out loud feels too hard. Remember that the people who care about you want to support you. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It shows you are taking control of your feelings.

What actually happens when you talk to a therapist?

Talking to a therapist is like having a safe, private conversation with someone who is entirely on your team. They will ask you about what’s going on in your life and how you’re feeling. They won’t judge you. They will help you understand your anxiety and teach you practical skills, like how to calm your body when you feel overwhelmed or how to change worried thoughts. It’s a place just for you to learn and feel better.

Who are the best people I can talk to for professional help?

The best people to talk to are trained professionals who know how to help with big feelings. A school counselor is a great and easy person to start with. You could also talk to your family doctor, who can give you advice and suggest other experts. Another great option is a therapist. A therapist is someone who listens to you without judgment and teaches you simple tools to calm your worries and feel stronger.

What’s the first step I should take to get help for my anxiety?

The very first step is to talk to someone you trust. This could be a parent, a family member, a school counselor, or a close friend. Just saying out loud, “I’ve been feeling really anxious, and I need some help,“ is a huge and brave move. You don’t have to have all the answers. The goal is to share the burden so you don’t feel alone. That person can help you figure out the next steps, like finding a professional to talk to.