Sit Around the Fire

#020 You Don't Need to Wait Until You're Broken to Seek Help


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Have you ever caught yourself wondering if your problems are "big enough" to justify therapy? Or perhaps you've thought, "Other people have it worse" or "I just need to tough it out." You're not alone. Many of us operate with an invisible scale of suffering, waiting until we hit rock bottom before reaching out for help.

This episode challenges that mindset completely. What if therapy isn't about waiting until you're broken, but instead functions more like routine maintenance? We take care of our cars with regular oil changes and our bodies with checkups and exercise—yet somehow, we've convinced ourselves that our mental health doesn't deserve the same proactive attention.

For first responders especially, the cultural pressure to maintain a "hero mindset" can make seeking help feel like failure. But reframing therapy as maintenance rather than crisis intervention changes everything. When you build emotional resilience and coping skills regularly, you have greater capacity when life's inevitable challenges arise. Your relationships improve, your work performance stays strong, and you experience more joy in everyday moments.

Beyond traditional talk therapy, numerous approaches exist—from EMDR and neurofeedback to hypnosis and animal-assisted therapies. Finding the right fit might take exploration, but your mental health is worth that investment. And remember, commitment to the process matters; just as one workout won't transform your physical health, meaningful psychological growth takes time and consistency.

Whether you've tried therapy before without success or have never stepped into a therapist's office, I encourage you to approach your mental health with curiosity and commitment. Don't wait for your engine to blow before getting that oil change. You deserve to live fully now, not just survive until crisis forces your hand. What small step will you take this week to invest in your mental wellbeing?


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Sit Around the FireBy Ashlea Dillard