Similarities between a selling process and getting help for mental health challenges.
There’s a lot of research, advice and resources on how to get a sale. A common theme is that it takes multiple touchpoints and multiple forms of communication before someone commits to buying something.
If you’re reading this because you’re really keen to find out more about how to sell I’d recommend checking out the resources on HubSpot as I’m certainly no expert on sales - https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/the-ultimate-guide-to-prospecting-how-many-touchpoints-when-and-what-type
The main focus of this article is to look at how we, or more importantly how we don’t, access support to maintain and improve our own health and wellbeing. Physical and mental.
The process of us deciding to buy something can in some cases hold similarities to the process some of us go through before seeking advice, support and resources to look after our wellbeing and health.
When you make a decision to buy something you’ve usually been aware of the product or service for a while. You’ve seen it on social media, a mate told you about it, you’ve been on the website, you’ve seen it in a shop, you’re emailed an offer etc. We don’t tend to decide to buy after just one interaction with a product or service. I think it’s the same with getting help, support and advice on how to best look after ourselves. Especially our mental wellbeing. It takes multiple opportunities to seek support before we actually do. There’s also a whole host of other reasons we don’t seek support not just the fact that we may not be regularly aware of what’s out there and that we haven’t had enough reminders that people who love and care about us are available and very willing to help.
Some of the possible barriers to seeking help and support;
- Lack of knowledge and understanding about the state of our own mental health
- Lack of knowledge and understanding about mental illness, mental wellbeing and the difference
- Lack of knowledge about what support is out there
- False perceptions
- Fear of stigma from others
- Self-stigma
- Fear of discrimination
On average it takes a year for someone to speak to friends and family about a challenge they’re having with their mental wellbeing or health. 70-75% of people with a diagnosable mental illness receive no treatment at all (MHFA England).
The more we share and communicate the more likely people are going to develop their knowledge and understanding, challenge perceptions and fear stigma and discrimination less.
Sharing information, positive media campaigns, emails, text, snapchat – I don’t mean bombarding people with information and questions but simply making sure that as and when someone feels ready they know exactly which phone number to call, which website to go to, who to speak with.
By no means is, sharing a load of great content on social media and then texting a few mates asking how they are, going to solve everything. But it may help a few more people than if we don’t. Your text or Instagram post may just land at the exact right moment that someone thinks, I need to talk to someone about this…
It’s really important that we’re patient with ourselves and others. We may know in our gut that something isn’t quite right but please don’t be harsh on yourself for not seeking support straight away, it’s scary and takes courage. Be patient with others, just because you ‘know’ something is wrong it doesn’t mean they’re ready to recognise what’s going on and deal with it.
It’s ok to not be ok. It’s ok to need help and it’s certainly ok to ask for it.
Support for yourself or supporting someone else to get support:
Samaritans - call on 116 123 or visit: https://www.samaritans.org/
Trent Psychological Therapies Service - https://www.trentpts.co.uk/self-referral
Quality resources and support: