No one should ever be ashamed of going to a psychiatrist because the real shame lies in not seeking help when you need it. It’s a powerful reframing of vulnerability as strength, turning societal judgment on its head. This idea is more relevant today than ever.
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Meaning
The quote flips the script on the stigma around mental health, arguing that seeking help is an act of courage, while avoiding it out of fear or shame is the true failure.
Explanation
Look, I’ve seen this play out so many times. People get tangled up in what others might think. They see asking for help as a sign of weakness, a personal failing. But Coelho nails it. He’s saying the weakness isn’t in the struggle; it’s in the prideful refusal to get the tools you need to fix it. It’s like being ashamed of using a map when you’re lost. The real error is just wandering aimlessly, pretending you know the way. The bravest thing you can do is admit you don’t have all the answers and go find someone who can help you find them. It’s a profound shift from a culture of shame to a culture of proactive self-care.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | Portuguese (369) |
| Category | Health (243) |
| Topics | acceptance (73), healing (82), mental health (13) |
| Literary Style | clear (348), didactic (370) |
| Emotion / Mood | compassionate (35), honest (52) |
| Overall Quote Score | 77 (179) |
Origin & Factcheck
This quote comes straight from Paulo Coelho’s 1998 novel, Veronika Decides to Die. It’s often shared online without that crucial context, making it sound like a standalone piece of life advice, which it is, but its power is deeply rooted in the story’s exploration of sanity, madness, and societal pressure.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Paulo Coelho (368) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | Veronika Decides to Die (26) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Contemporary (1615) |
| Original Language | Portuguese (369) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Paulo Coelho(1947) is a world acclaimed novelist known for his writings which covers spirituality with underlying human emotion with a profound storytelling. His transformative pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago inspired his breakthrough book, The Pilgrimage which is soon followed by The Alchemist< which went on to become the best seller. Through mystical narratives and introspective style, Paulo Coelho even today inspires millions of people who are seeking meaning and purpose in their life
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | No one should ever be ashamed of going to a psychiatrist. People should only be ashamed of not seeking help when they need it |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 1998; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 978-0-06-112426-6; Last edition: HarperCollins (2006), 240 pages. |
| Where is it? | Chapter: The Cure, Section: Doctor Igor’s Note, NeedVerification – Edition 2006, page range ~145–147 |