Self-help begins from the
moment an infant or a child starts to realize that he or she can do something
by him or herself. Throughout life, one’s sense of independence continues to
expand its horizons increasing mentally, emotionally, physically and
spiritually. The earliest expressions of self-help often require the assistance
of parents, grandparents, siblings and others, when self-help is not enough.
What is self-help from a psychological perspective?
Self-help focuses on the psyche
or the self, as it grasps new thoughts, ideas and concepts that potentially
lead to improving one’s self, in whatever way possible. While self-help
appears to be only in relation to the self, it invariably involves others in
one way or another, in terms of support groups on various
levels.
What are self-help groups?
Self-help groups exist in every
culture and society, as individuals gather in groups, or in community to find
friends, plus emotional support and guidance. They often begin to identify
themselves in meaningful roles in conjunction with their peers who support one
another mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Active self-help participants
assuming leadership roles economically or financially, often lead self-help
groups. There are many self-help groups offering steps to recovery from
substance abuse or alcohol addiction, where a buddy system or co-dependency
proves beneficial.
When is self-help not enough?
Unfortunately, there are times
when self-help or self-help groups are not enough, or do not have all of the
answers. Have you outgrown a self-help group? Recognizing this reality is
important in terms of your emotional, as well as mental health and general
well-being.
The article, “Getting
Help” suggests the following
situations are symptomatic with respect to needing help beyond the level
self-help, as helping yourself or self-help groups with others. In other words,
you may need professional help from a professional and therapy.
Ask yourself if you feel this
way:
Are you so angry or sad that
you are unable to cope with day-to-day life? Perhaps your physical health is suffering
and every day you feel like your body is letting you down. Maybe you don’t know which
way to turn and like a deer caught in headlights, you are unable to
move. Does life seems better through the bottom of a bottle, or with the help
of drugs? Are you constantly fighting with your spouse, or you have pulled back
from your relationship with your partner? Is there no joy left in your life? Does death
seem like a better option than life?
How can you get help beyond self-help?
This same article, “Getting
Help” includes the following suggestions on what you can do to get help beyond
self-help.
These suggestions include
talking to your family doctor and other professionals. There are community,
mental health clinics and contact organizations that offer professional
information and therapy. Engaging in online research can lead you to
appropriate, mental health resources. Workshops and educational resources also offer
therapy sessions that may prove beneficial. The same is true with respect to
turning to your church, family and friends.
Remember that the self-help you
learned as a child and throughout adulthood is ingrained in your constitution.
Recall your successes.
You have also helped others by being part of self-help
groups, but maybe you have outgrown these resources.
Do not panic.
Never stop
growing intellectually and emotionally. Recognize when it is time to seek
professional therapy.
Taking drastic, negative action
may be an attention-getting device, but it is not usually the best way to get
help on a higher level. You do have better options. To continue to empower
yourself and motivate others in a positive and constructive direction, you may
need to use a bit of ingenuity and find the therapy that you need.
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