When life presents a challenge, you can’t simply ignore it and hope it goes away. In order to live a healthy, productive life, it’s important to face challenges both big and small head-on, addressing them and overcoming them in order to move forward in life. In order to make this happen, it’s not uncommon to need some extra help from outside sources, whether that be loved ones or professionals. Depending on the challenge you’re facing, the help you need might be as simple as an app or more extensive and layered like a support group. Regardless of the predicament, you’re in, consider these three methods for getting yourself the help you need when it feels like too much.

1. Support System

Support comes in a variety of ways and it can be different for everyone. For many people, their immediate and extended familial structures, as well as close communities and close friends, are the perfect safety net for when life gets rocky. One of the reasons why family and tight social circles are so beneficial is because when tough times come, you have others to rely on who know you well enough to know what you need or how to best support you. 

Unfortunately, not everyone comes from a loving, supportive family or close community structure, and for them finding a support system might take a little extra work. If this is your reality, it’s okay to create your own found family. You get to choose who your family members are in the form of close friends. As you cultivate and deepen the bonds of friendships, you’d be surprised at how loyal your friends can be to you in your time of need.

2. Education and Resources

In order to get yourself out of your current challenge, you’ll need resources and knowledge. If you’re dealing with patterns in your career and relationships that point to self-sabotaging behaviors, investing in an online self-sabotage coaching course allows you to learn how to do better and course-correct. If you’re dealing with debilitating grief due to the loss of a close loved one, grief counseling is an excellent resource to help you move through the waves of grief, depression, and malaise.

3. Boundaries

For many people, people-pleasing behaviors are second-nature. However, when you’re used to being a people-pleaser, you’ll eventually suffer from burnout and depression. You don’t want to get to a place where you can’t find yourself amidst the needs of others. Boundaries can serve as an excellent method because they allow you to create structure in your world. From putting the phone on ‘Do-Not-Disturb’ mode at a specific time to ending a toxic relationship, boundaries allow you the grace and space to recognize your needs and show up for yourself.

No man is an island. Everyone needs help from time to time. Never be too proud to reach out and ask for the help you need. If the tables were turned, you’d hopefully help others as well. By putting your pride down and getting the help you need, you’ll be able to rise above the challenges and succeed.