This looks just like my family physician.

Yesterday, we went discussed why Avoidance and Self-Medication are poor options when you are Sick. 

Today, we will talk about a better option: Go to the Doctor (ie. Get Help)   

Admitting that there is something wrong and that you need to get help with it is tough – no one likes to think that he or she needs help to deal with anything. But have you ever noticed what happens in your mind and body when you make a doctor’s appointment to get something taken care of?  There is a shift – almost a feeling inside like ‘I have admitted that something is not right and now I am doing something about it.’

So you go to the Doctor.  And what happens?  Hopefully, the Doc will listen to you and ask detailed questions to understand what is happening. After a thorough diagnostic process, a doctor will determine a treatment regimen that makes the most sense.  As well, he/she will schedule a follow-up appointment and a way to carefully check-in with you to ensure that the treatment process is successful.

Don’t miss the steps here:

1. Patient realizes: ‘Something is wrong.’
2. Patient reaches out for help by making an appointment with a Doctor.
3. Doctor asks, ‘What is the problem?’
4. Patient explains the problem.
5. Doctor asks follow-up questions until he/she has fully explored the issue.
6. Doctor examines the patient by doing an assessment and tests.
7. Proper treatment is prescribed
8. Patient takes action on treatment process.
9. Follow-Up Appointment(s) is Booked and Doctor monitors patient’s progress.

To sum up: a medical issue is best treated by a trained, medical professional.

But what about non-medical life issues?  In other words, which Life Doctor (or trusted confidant/friend) would you go to for help with your life issues? (aka. struggles) 

The answer for most men is ‘DR. NOBODY.’  And I believe this is slowly killing them.

I want you to do something - if you are struggling with something in your life, please find a person to talk to about it.  Even if you just talk about it out loud to yourself.  Reaching out to another person for help and support is not weakness – no one is meant to go through life on their own.  We all need someone to listen, encourage, and kick our ass from time to time. I have multiple people in my life that are ‘my team’ (my wife, father, my own Coach, and close friends) and I can’t imagine where I would be without them.

If you’re sick (this includes all of us), it’s time to reach out for help!