Seeking Help for personal issues when you feel Ashamed or Afraid [View All]

This issue has been raised on DU before, in various ways. There was a dramatically poignant call last night to a national radio program from a war veteran saying how hard it is for ex-military to seek help for depression, PTSD, etc... It had taken him four decades to get real help.

There is the stigma.

There is also the notoriety, if you happen to live in a small town where nothing is secret.

And there are other situations where people get "stuck" and don't know how to break through that shield and ask for help during difficult times, because things may appear to be so overwhelming. You don't know where to begin.

Has anyone had experience with struggling when it comes to trying to be strong vs. seeking advice or help during difficult times?

What if any thought or gesture of assistance pushed you in any particular direction, toward seeking help or dealing with this on your own?