Everyone believes that talking to a therapist is a good idea, but how do you know when you should talk to a therapist, and how do you find the right therapist for you?
Mental health is just as crucial to our overall picture of health as our physical health. And therapy is one of the most effective treatments for mental health issues. Talking to someone can help you to process trauma, recognize unhealthy patterns and overcome emotional challenges. Here are a few of the most common reasons people seek out therapy.
You’re Feeling Overwhelmed
It’s normal to experience moments or seasons of stress, especially during significant life transitions. However, if you feel overwhelmed daily and feel like you have too much to do or too much to deal with emotionally, you would probably benefit from therapy.
You’re Experiencing Disproportionate Rage or Resentment
Of course, everyone feels angry sometimes, and anger on its own is a normal human emotion that can even be helpful. However, suppose you often feel extreme rage, anger, or resentment, and you have trouble containing this. In that case, anger therapy could help you identify what triggers this response and help you develop healthier outlets for those feelings.
If You Feel Fatigued or Apathetic
When you struggle daily to engage in activities that you used to enjoy and find yourself constantly battling feelings of exhaustion, suppose you are losing interest in life around you. If fatigue lasts for days or you struggle with getting out of bed in the morning, these can be signs of depression, and talking to a therapist can help.
You Struggle With Anxiety or Intrusive Thoughts
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues. Although worry is part of the human experience, anxiety becomes a problem when our worry or fear takes over our thoughts. When worry becomes obsessive and you spend a large portion of your day worrying or fearing things. Or your anxiety produces physical symptoms like difficulty breathing, shaking, or inability to sleep, you should talk to a therapist. In some cases, medication can also help, but therapy is an excellent place to start.
If You Are Afraid To Leave Your Home
Many people, especially after 2020, have found that they suffer from a condition known as Agoraphobia, a fear of being in a place where they might panic attack or become trapped. The results of these feelings often lead to people feeling they cannot leave their house. However, life is best when it’s lived, and if you think your mental health prevents you from going to the places you’d like, it’s time to speak to a professional.
If You Struggle With Feelings of Hopelessness
Struggling with the thoughts that you have no future indicates a mental health issue. When these thoughts are left untreated, they can lead to suicidal ideation, and we encourage you to seek help immediately.
Unhealthy Social Withdrawal
Although some people need time alone to recharge, some withdraw from others because of fear or stress. If you often find yourself isolated with no one to talk to or find it too stressful to be in public places, therapy is a safe place to help you sort out why you have these feelings.
You’re not alone if you are still uncertain whether it’s the right time to see a therapist. Unfortunately, only about 40% of people with mental health issues seek the needed therapy. And like physical problems, mental health issues do not improve without treatment. Therapy is a great way to treat all these issues and maintain mental health.
How To Find A Therapist
There are many ways to find a therapist. Sometimes starting with the reasons you’re seeking therapy can determine the kind of therapist you’d like to see. (Such as grief counseling or marriage counseling) Knowing why you want therapy can make finding the treatment you need easier.
Another factor to consider is what kind of therapy experience you want; some prefer to seek out local therapists. The benefit of a local therapist is that you can meet one on one or in a group setting locally. Others prefer to search online directories where they can have sessions in the comfort of their own home as their schedules allow.
Collective Counseling Solutions or your insurance directory are a great place to start if you plan to pay for your therapy through your insurance plan. There are many ways to find a good therapist, but taking the first step is vital.
