"Just get help" is not enough

  Messages surrounding mental health often oversimplify the journey mental health care takes. While the common phrase "get help" is well intentioned, it can unintentionally come across judgemental and tone deaf. In order to have effective mental health communication, we must acknowledge the diverse emotional, cultural, and financial barriers that individual's may face.  Why is saying "just get help" not enough? While on the surface this saying can seem like good advice. However, this saying can increase the oversimplification of mental health illnesses. 

   Additionally, this phrase assumes that everyone has access. In reality, access to mental health isn't always easy. Therapy and counseling services can be quite expensive, and not all those in need can afford it. In addition, many mental health providers have extensive wait times. 

    Even if therapy, is accessible to the patients, this phrase can ignore the emotional strain surrounding seeking help. Shame and stigma are a very common denominator when someone is asked why they don't go to therapy. Additionally past poor experiences with mental health professionals can cause fear to go back. 

    Lastly, I want to discuss how this saying can seem quite dismissive. When someone reaches out to you about their problems, and immediately saying "just get help" can seem to be an abrupt end to the conversation. It is ideal to make them feel like you want to not only continue the conversation but understand that barriers that they may face. And with that I will be ending this blog. Stay safe, Stay Empathetic. 

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