Where Do I Start?
Asking for Help
Why is it so hard to
ask for help?
Ok, let's face it. We might know who to talk to, but opening up to someone your personal struggles can feel nearly impossible. ​
Where to even start... It can feel vulnerable and awkward. You don't want to get in trouble. You don't know what happens after you share. You don't want to burden someone. You've learned to deal with it on your own for a long time. It never feels like the right time to bring it up. You're worried it will change things...
​
Does this sound familiar?
In any given situation, asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
It could save your life or someone else's life.
​
It feels empowering.
It can bring you closer to others.
It reflects self awareness.
You can set a positive example for others.
It shows courage.
You will probably feel relieved!
Conversation Starters
Learn More
For Yourself
Tips for starting the conversation about your own mental health
Learn More
For Someone Else
Tips for starting the conversation to help a friend
KNOW YOUR LIMITS.​
Being supportive of your friend is one thing, but ​if the situation feels more adult than you should be dealing with, it’s probably time to talk to an adult.
​
If your mental health is being impacted by the weight of this friendship then you should talk to an adult. Even if you are feeling just a little overwhelmed. However, if you are feeling increased anxiety, showing signs of depression, or are considering self-harm yourself, it’s definitely time to get help for both yourself and your friend.
Any sort of gut feeling, any reaction you have that this doesn’t feel right...
maybe there should be another person here who should be taking a part of this responsibility — then it’s important to go to someone at school or directly to parents.
- Lindsay Macchia, PhD
SAFETY CONCERN.
If there are any concerns about safety whatsoever, go to an adult. If your friend is hurting themselves, talking about hurting themselves, or showing signs that they might hurt others, then it’s important to seek help.
​
If you believe a friend has developed an eating disorder, it’s urgent that they get help, because eating disorders are a serious health threat, and the longer you have one, the harder it is to recover.
If a friend seems to be experiencing a psychotic break — they have hallucinations or beliefs that aren’t realistic — they need help immediately, before they hurt themselves.​
Have a free, confidential conversation with a trained counselor​
Text HOME to 741-741
These counselors can support you or offer advice on how to help your friend.
Where To Go.......
Outer Cape Health Services
Community Resource Navigator Program
The Outer Cape Health Services Community Navigator program helps assist residents with unmet medical, behavioral health, or human service needs through collaboration with local agencies, providers, and community groups. The Navigator works closely with community agencies from referrals and service coordination to help clients in their community by building relationships and identifying support networks.
Interested in an appointment?
Email CRNavigator@outercape.org or call (774) 209-3222.
Bay Cove
If you are experiencing a behavioral health challenge—whether it is just starting, or has been building for some time—it can be hard to figure out what to do. Bay Cove Behavioral Health & Wellness Center is here to assist! Just give us a call and we will work together to figure out the best next steps for your situation.
Bay Cove’s Behavioral Health and Wellness Center on Cape Cod serves as a hub of coordinated and integrated mental health and substance use disorder treatment for individuals of all ages throughout Cape Cod—from Bourne to Provincetown. Services provided are enhanced routine and urgent behavioral health outpatient services, and mobile crisis intervention services and community crisis stabilization services for adults and youth.
Call Bay Cove at 833-229-2683
Child and Family Services: Walk-In Service
Hyannis Office
Child and Family Services is located in Hyannis. They are dedicated to providing essential mental health services.
Offerings include comprehensive outpatient services for both urgent and ongoing needs.
Additionally, we specialize in In-Home Therapy, bringing therapeutic support directly to individuals and families.
Walk-In Assessments Available
100 Independence Drive in Hyannis, MA
Cape Behavioral | Northeast Health Services
Cape Behavioral Health Center has been serving the Cape Cod area for many years. there are clinics in Hyannis, Falmouth, and Orleans that are dedicated to providing high-quality care to the local Cape community. Cape Behavioral Health Center is a part of the Northeast Health Services team.
Cape Behavioral provides numerous services, such as therapy and psychiatry.
Cape Cod Healthcare Behavioral Services
From early onset and intervention, through late life, the Centers for Behavioral Health provide expertise across all psychiatric disorders. Whether managing a first episode or a chronic unresolved complaint, our team distinguishes itself through treating the individual not the diagnosis.
All of our treatment centers are equipped with board certified psychiatrists and therapists that are prepared to meet all of your needs.
Services and referrals span a comprehensive array of services, including emergency and Consultative Services, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Outpatient Mental Health Services, Partial Hospital Program (PHP), Child, Adolescent and Adult Outpatient Psychiatric Services, and Patient and Family Support
Connect with one of the counselors now, 800-513-4728
