In my line of work, I often hear people struggling with substance use disorder, mental illness or eating disorders say that they will start treatment in a week, a month … later. I often wonder, why not now? More often than not, they are not ready or do not recognize there might be a problem.

We in social work often speak about the stages of change. People sometimes know there is a problem but are not yet ready to do anything about it. People usually come to treatment when there is a crisis or when remaining the same is more painful than the possibility of changing. Sometimes, people come to treatment at the behest of a loved one or other person who cares about them. But change does not happen unless one is ready to stop performing the behavior that keeps them sick. And so often, we become so used to performing a certain behavior or feeling a certain way, the idea of changing is so overwhelming we opt to stay right where we are.

Sometimes, people stuck in the quagmire of substance use or mental illness or eating disorders do not even realize there might be a problem. They seem to be functioning well enough, making it to work or school. What they possibly do not realize is the damage they are doing to their bodies, minds and souls by continuing to use or stay stuck in sadness. There is so much more to life than being comfortably uncomfortable. Do you not deserve more?

Change takes work. But it is so worth it. Do you not deserve to live a healthier, happier life? Do you not deserve to become the person you always were meant to be? Why not start today? What is the worst that could happen?