Why is it so hard to accept help? There are many ways to find assistance for problems but we often refuse to admit we are facing an issue. Is it our ego, feeling fearful, or not trusting those around us? The answer is usually that we feel hopeless and don’t want to admit we must make changes.

I have had many patients over the years who would hold onto their lives with tight knuckle fists. They were scared to admit they faced an addiction. Many also wanted to believe that they had the power to fix whatever was not working. I began to study this more while working as a therapist in an addiction rehab.

One of the major rules of Alcoholics Anonymous is to surrender to a higher power. The second step states we came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. This is so powerful as I watched grown men admit they couldn’t fix what was wrong. Many had lived for years selling drugs, getting high and doing what they felt they wanted.

It was very humbling to watch them find the strength to let go and believe in a higher power. Many would leave rehab with no money, job or place to live. They started again with nothing and it would take faith to believe their lives were going to work out.

I began my own journey to surrendering to a higher power. I stopped drinking alcohol or doing any type of drug. It became clear that I needed help when my brother died. I sought therapy and have worked with my own coach and guides. It often takes a brave person to admit they are stuck. The reality is with assistance many reach higher levels and see greater success. There is much to learn from the statement that no man is an island. We are all connected and often have gifts and abilities to help each other through situations.

My team is always happy to help. We run a wonderful coaching program which encourages growth and positive changes. You are welcome to reach out to us at anytime by emailing blakelevinecoach@gmail.com or calling our office at (213) 304-9555. Even reading and learning about these topics is very valuable. I am thankful that the anonymity of online reading allows those who need this site to find it and enjoy it privately. I know many come back often and learn from the articles we share.

I am open that my own mental illness took a great amount of work to learn to accept. I was just a teenager when I was diagnosed. I felt ashamed, embarrassed, hopeless and fearful. I didn’t know many others who faced being in a mental hospital. I eventually rebuilt my life and have been blessed to educate many about these topics. I look back now and realize God took my worst experience and greatest struggle to eventually help others who face the same issues. I would have never guessed 20 years ago that the pain I lived with would one day help another human being who also faces a mental illness. The lesson is if you will keep going the end of the road may be one of happiness, hope, health and healing.