“We all want to be tough. … If we ask for help, we’re soft. … We’d rather be strong and suffer … If you need help, ask for help. If you are tired of wrestling with your emotions, find a tag team partner.”

When I’m not writing about the best wrestling in the world, I’m a mental health professional. This is a column I have wanted to do for a long time. In light of the Kylie Rae situation, now is the time.   

I’ve been a licensed professional counselor for almost 20 years. Regardless of their background or trauma, do you know the biggest challenge most of my clients face? Taking the first step. Asking for help. 

We all want to be tough. We’re rugged American cowboys blazing trails of independence. If we ask for help, we’re soft. Weak. Sissies. Instead of admitting we need help, we’d rather be strong and suffer.  

If you are wrestling with your emotions, ask for help. The world is full of angry, sad, anxious people. Toxic relationships. Zero self esteem. Defective coping skills. Help is available if you want it. 

The key to life is to be able to rethink your situation. I want to illustrate that by helping you rethink asking for help. Whether you realize it or not, you already ask for help dozens of times a day. 

You don’t grow your own fruits and veggies? Good thing the grocery store is there to help you eat right. 

No gym in your basement? Luckily, there’s one on every corner to help you stay in shape. And a personal trainer to help you stay motivated. 

Don’t feel like making dinner? Better ask a restaurant to help with that. And because you don’t want to leave the house, a dozen delivery services are ready to help bring it to you.

You can’t tow your own car when you get a flat, so you ask the tow truck for help getting to a mechanic who can help put on a new tire, because that’s one more thing you can’t do by yourself. 

The accountant helps you do your taxes. The investment pro helps with your IRA. How many medical professionals have helped you with everything from braces to broken bones? 

The fact is you ask for help all the time because you know you don’t have all the answers and can’t do everything by yourself. Taking care of your mental health should be no different. 

If you need help, ask for help. 

If you are tired of wrestling with your emotions, find a tag team partner.