The take-home message with regard to self-diagnosis and self-treatment is that if you pursue the self-help route without the aide and assistance of a professional helper, take care to do your homework first. Consider how severely your issues or problems impact your safety, the safety of others, your own functioning and your peace of mind. Consider also how complex your problems may be and whether or not you have a reasonable chance of appropriately assessing and addressing those problems successfully. If you have any doubts at all as to your ability to figure out and treat your problems on your own, seek the help of a professional.
A surprising number of people will not seek professional help even when it is the right thing to do because they do not like the idea that they require help to manage their issues. If you think seeking help is a weakness, and that only 'weaklings' ever consult professionals, you'll need to decide whether your macho attitude (for that is what that attitude is, regardless of whether you are a man or a woman) is helping or hindering your progress in solving your problems and issues. If your attitude is getting in the way of your growth and health, then you have to decide whether or not it is time to change your attitude. If in your careful estimation self-help will work for you then pursue self-help with determination. First, however, take the necessary time to understand your issues, and explore all of your alternatives for self-help. Avoid risky, extreme, or un-proven methods and 'solutions' that might endanger you or others (if in doubt, consult with a professional). If, however, you've thought it through and have decided that self-help isn't likely to work for you at this time, then seek out professional assistance now. Don't stand in your own way by avoiding professional assistance.
