October brings haunted houses, fun costumes and pumpkin spice everything. But for many, the scariest thing about this time of year isn’t the ghouls and goblins; it’s asking for help. Reaching out for mental health support can feel downright scary, especially in communities where stigma still casts a long shadow.
Whether it’s fear of judgment, not knowing what to say or worrying about being misunderstood, the anxiety around seeking help is real.
It’s like walking into a dark room; you don’t know what’s inside, but you know you need to enter. That first step can feel like a leap.
But here’s the twist: the monsters we imagine often are smaller than we think. Mental health professionals aren’t there to judge, they’re trained to listen, support and guide. And often, they’ve heard it all. Your story won’t scare them away.
COURAGE DOESN’T ALWAYS ROAR
In rural communities especially, where resources may be limited and privacy concerns loom large, the fear of being “found out” can be paralyzing. But silence doesn’t protect us. It isolates us, and isolation is far more frightening than vulnerability.
The truth is that courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, it whispers through a late-night text to a friend, a quiet call to the 988 helpline or a hesitant walk into a community center. These small acts of bravery can lead to life-changing support.
LET’S CELEBRATE SPEAKING UP
This October, let’s challenge the idea that asking for help is something to fear. Let’s normalize vulnerability, celebrate those who speak up and create spaces where mental health conversations are met with compassion, not judgment.
While ghosts may vanish at dawn, the impact of untreated mental health struggles doesn’t. The bravest thing you can do this spooky season is say, “I need help.”
If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or just not yourself, don’t wait for the fear to pass; reach out. You’re not alone. And there’s nothing frightful about wanting to feel better.
Kay Daneault is the executive director of the Mental Health Association of South Mississippi. Reach her at kdaneault@msmentalhealth.org.