Breaking the Cycle: The Power of Seeking Support
Written by Cindy Bekkedam RD, RP (Qualifying)
Many of us are used to handling everything on our own. It's a pattern that may have been set in childhood, when asking for help was met with ridicule, or when we were made to feel like a burden for having needs. This pattern has followed us into adulthood, shaping our beliefs about independence and self-reliance.
Perhaps, you've grown accustomed to managing your feelings, your basic needs, and overwhelming experiences all by yourself. Maybe you had to go at it alone because asking to have your needs met was ignored, belittled or even ridiculed. Or, maybe you never even asked for help because you felt like too much of a burden to your parents. All you knew was to create a personal reality where you solely relied on yourself to navigate through life's challenges.
However, it's important to remember that it's okay to seek support. It can be incredibly beneficial. Getting outside support can help you break the cycle of handling pain alone. It can provide you with new perspectives, coping strategies, and insights that you may not have discovered on your own.
The idea of seeking out therapy may feel unnatural because it challenges your core belief about having to handle pain and conflicts by yourself. After all, therapy is a journey of self-exploration that is guided by another person, which is a far cry from the solitary struggle you may be used to. However, the reality is that therapy is a powerful tool for personal growth and healing.
Therapy offers a safe space to express your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It allows you to explore your past and its impact on your present, to understand why you think and behave the way you do, and to learn new, healthier ways of coping. Therapy can help you to understand yourself better, to make peace with your past, and to build a better future.
For those of you who have started therapy, how has this changed your perspective on asking for help/support from others? Is this still a struggle at times? The journey to seeking help and relying on others for support can indeed be a challenging one. But the rewards that come from breaking the cycle of solitary struggle are immense.
It's important to remember that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. It takes courage to acknowledge that you can't do everything on your own, and to reach out for help. So, if you're considering therapy, take that first step. It could be the beginning of a new chapter in your life.
Let me know on IG @helloroadtoself about your thoughts and experiences with therapy. Your insights may just be the encouragement someone else needs to start their own journey towards healing.
