Unaccepted offers for assistance
Greetings all.
The image attached is an example of how many calls I might close in a week on average. These are letters I send out to notify someone that their “case” is being closed out.
When a call comes in a report is generated and comes to me. In almost every instance, I send an initial contact letter which has my contact info, what I do, and a little bit of info about the process. Each letter closes with some general resources in the area. Within a week or two, I will attempt direct contact. Simultaneously, MHMR of Tarrant County is following a similar process. Some of these letters come back undeliverable, though that’s not often.
More often, the attempts to offer assistance simply go unanswered. I’d like to believe that this simply means that needs are already being met, but the more realistic side of me says that it’s much more likely that the recipients are not open to accepting help. Whether it be because of fear, stigma, or pride, the vast majority of offers for help go unaccepted.
If one were drowning, I don’t believe that many would refuse an extended hand from someone on shore. Being overwhelmed with life isn’t much different than drowning and isn’t something that few of us experience. We all do, and we all struggle with accepting help for exactly the reasons I mentioned. Fear of not understanding what will happen. The stigma that it will mean something is “wrong” with someone. Or pride that makes one think that accepting help is something “weak” people do.
Try going to a counselor or opening up to someone about what is going on in your life and tell me that it is something a weak person can do. I feel it takes a huge act of courage to be able to get the first word out. I’m not ashamed to admit that I needed counseling after a divorce. I’m a cop. Can you imagine what it takes for one of us to admit we’re not totally in control of things and need help?
If someone offers a helping hand, accept it. If you are overwhelmed, let someone help.
All the best. You know where to find us.
Officer Morgan.
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