Who to go to for help.

Often times, people with struggles feel lost and overwhelmed. They might not know when to ask for help or who to turn to for guidance or support on a regular basis. 

Some people that may be able to help problem solve are:

-Family
-Friends
-Police, firemen, paramedics, etc. (personal safety workers in times of emergency)
-Paid professionals (agency support workers, life skills tutors, counselors, social workers, therapists and doctors)
-Ourselves

It is crucially important for individuals to identify a consistent and ongoing support team. A support team is made up of people that we trust who help generate ideas and solutions to challenges, needs, wants, goals and desires that we have. 

Tips for choosing your team:

-Identify people in your life (between 5-10) who want to be there for you, who know you well and are supportive of your goals and aspirations. Know that everyone has their own set of strengths and weaknesses. Identifying how important people in your life can help you based on their own strengths will help you decide who to turn to based on the problem at hand. For example, you wouldn't go to a friend for medical advice or your boss for problems at school. 

-Focus on needs. There is nothing wrong with asking for help. In fact, it shows strength to know when you need help and can ask for it. 

-Make a list of important phone numbers and keep it with you. This includes the numbers of everyone on your team, doctors and emergency responders. You can program them into your phone or keep a card with them in your wallet. Having access to your team at all times is important. 

-Gather members of your support team so that they can get to know one another. It is a team after all right?! The ability for members to be able to share observations and information with each other and you  is crucial. They will be better able to support you this way. 

-Share your successes and struggles with your team. Trust your intuition and be confident. Most importantly, HAVE FUN IN LIFE!!!

-Alyssa