How Hard Is It to Ask for Help?

Some time ago, I wrote a blog post about Code Lavender™, the “holistic care rapid response” process that hospitals such as the Cleveland Clinic have put in place for their doctors, nurses and staff. When these professional healers recognize that they are overwhelmed and need help, they call in a Code Lavender and a small army of holistic healthcare workers – Reiki practitioners, massage therapists, aromatherapists, healing touch nurses, counselors, and more – springs into action. They offer calm, soothing support for mind, body and spirit.
 
However, in revisiting this topic, I’ve discovered some interesting information. First, Code Lavender is a trademark for the institutional process these hospitals have developed; it’s not a term one can use lightly or out of context.

Also, Code Lavender is not considered a tool to prevent burnout – as the popular Huffington Post article claimed. It is designed specifically for crisis intervention: when things get so bad that the person feels they’re going to fall apart right there.
 
Code Lavender provides care, support and acknowledgement (“Hey, we’ve got your back”) to medical professionals who have felt unsupported in the past. Some find it a means of preventing future post-traumatic stress.
 
And one very important thing: the stressed-out caregiver must request his or her own Code Lavender. No one can do it for them.
 
In the more than six years since hospitals began adopting Code Lavender procedures, the stigma about asking for help still persists: “I’m not weak. I can tough this out on my own.”
 
It’s an ingrained cultural mindset not restricted to hospital professionals.
 
So let me ask you: How hard is it for YOU to ask for help?
 
What kind of toll is it taking on you just to persevere?
 
When (if) you do ask for help, what do you need most?
 
I look forward to your comments. Chances are, you’ll have some good advice for others reading this. Thank you.