scared to seek help

Ask a Therapist Seeking Help
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in my previous post i was saying how i was very stressed from being in an “elite school” and i was scared to seek help.
i have hinted to my mom that i have insomnia and cant sleep but she just suggested some herbal remedies and wasn’t so keen on the doctor part (maybe cos she also has insomnia) then i am scared to get judged like to walk into the school councillor’s office is so scaru thats why i was thinking of like video call therapy? idk
but yeah the stigma is real and im worried that if my teachers find out abt my mental state they might not give me leadership positions and yeah.

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Hi thegreatwar,

Thank you for sharing how you’re feeling—I can sense the stress and fear you’re dealing with. I hear you loud and clear: it’s tough being in a high-pressure environment like an elite school, especially when it feels like everyone is watching. The fear of being judged is real, and it makes reaching out for help feel even scarier.

It’s completely normal to worry about how others might react if they find out about your mental health struggles, especially in a school setting. There’s this fear that people will treat you differently, or that it might affect your opportunities. But I want to remind you that taking care of your mental health doesn’t make you less capable. In fact, it shows courage—you’re looking out for yourself, and that’s something to be proud of.

  • Can you take small steps toward seeking help in a way that feels safe? You mentioned video call therapy—this could be a good first step. It’s more private, and you don’t have to walk into the counselor’s office if that feels too overwhelming right now.

It sounds like the insomnia has been wearing you down. Herbal remedies from your mom might be her way of showing care, but it’s okay if they don’t fully address what you’re going through. Sometimes, sleep struggles are tied to anxiety or stress, and it’s important to get to the root cause.

  • Would you feel comfortable trying some relaxation techniques before bed—like breathing exercises or guided meditations? Sometimes, it’s about calming the mind first so that your body can follow.

I know you’re worried about how your teachers might perceive you if they find out about your mental health. It’s a tough balance, but I want to assure you that you’re not alone in feeling this way. So many people, especially in high-pressure environments, struggle with anxiety and stress. But remember, taking care of yourself doesn’t make you less worthy of leadership positions or opportunities—it makes you stronger.

  • Would it help to talk to a trusted adult who’s outside of your school system? Maybe someone who can give you perspective without the fear of it affecting your school life.

It sounds like you’re doing your best to manage everything on your plate, and that’s something to recognize. You deserve to feel supported in this, and if you feel more comfortable starting with video call therapy or talking to someone outside of school, that’s okay. How do you feel about taking that small step toward seeking support, even if it’s just dipping your toe in?

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hey @thegreatwar

i understand how it must be, i also struggled with the stigma of seeing a counsellor both in school and outside of school. in school i resorted to seeing a teacher counsellor (a teacher whos a trained counsellor) and it really helped me. after a bit of persuasion from my parents i also went to see an external counsellor despite the stigma associated with it.

i know many people who have benefited from seeing the school counsellor though, it’s really not as bad as you think and i don’t think your teachers would use that as a reason to not give you a leadership role (many people go through mental health struggles, even leaders). if you can one day find the courage in yourself to take the step to see the counsellor, you’ll probably find it a lot more useful than you expected. (bonus: it’s also free!) if your school happens to have teacher counsellors then all the better, but if not then there really isn’t as much stigma associated with it as you’d think.

many go through mental health issues, but only a few have the courage to seek help. for your health, i urge you to try and gather the courage to see the counsellor. stay strong and i hope you manage to seek help soon :pray:t2::muscle:t2:🫶🏻

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i also dont know if i should do it now? should i wait? cos my end of year exams will be finished soon and maybe i will feel better then