When to See A Therapist
When to see a therapist and get the help you need. All of us go through periods of grief, stress, conflict and sadness. It is hard to shut these feelings off and tell yourself to “suck it up and get back on track”. Statistics show that 1 in 5 suffer from mental illness. Of this number only 45% seek professional help according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration .
When we deny seeking the help we need it can only lead to increasing and compounding the problem. The sooner one gets help, the easier it will be to get relief. There is still a stigma around going to see a therapist. Many think that if they go to seek help they must be crazy or that it shows a sign of weakness. We are conditioned to believe that we must put on a front and show we are strong and capable. We are talking about your mental well-being. Can you put aside this crazy notion that seeking help is for the weak. Everyone even therapist can all benefit from seeing someone.
We all have blinders on and these blinders keep us from seeing the reality of many important aspects of our lives. I explain to my clients that I never profess to be an authority. I do tell them that in a collaborative way we will be a team that works together bringing awareness into their lives.
What are some signs that it may be time to seek therapy? The following are 5 signs that you may want to consider therapy:
When to See A Therapist
5 Signs
1.Things around you feel intense and overwhelming
Feeling overwhelmed with emotions such as sadness, anger, anxiety on a day to day basis can be the indicator that there is a deeper issue lying under the surface. These emotions are like a symptom to a cold. I believe that fear is the underlying catalyst for these emotions. The emotions can become paralyzing. Therapy with my clients is not going to address the symptoms but rather seeks to get to the core and look at the fear.
2. You have suffered trauma and are unable to stop thinking about it.
Breakups, the death of a loved one, job or sudden move can all be traumatic. As humans we think that if we just give it time, it will go away. Thinking about the issue will often times do nothing more than create more of the same feeling. One may tend to find themselves isolating and unable to relate to friends and family. Trauma impacts your day to day functioning. Speaking to a licensed professional can allow you the opportunity to unpack your feelings and feel safe in an atmosphere where there is no judgement or timeline.
3. You find yourself relying on substances to cope with Your feelings
Are you numbing out through drugs, alcohol, working too not think about your current condition. I call these the “isms”. These are ways in which we choose to not feel our feelings. This will increase as does any dependency and you may be faced with a full blown addiction. Seeking drug/alcohol and behavioral addiction counseling is vital.
4. You feel disconnected from previously beloved activities
You have lost interest in seeing your friends, going out to do the things you once found pleasure in. Family get togethers have lost any once felt joy and happiness. You feel as if your just going through the motions. Your feeling disillusioned by reality. Your in your head and that is a scary place to be alone.
5. Strained and Troubled Relationships
Do you find that your having difficulty communicating how you truly feel. Interactions with others seems dull and boring. You are in a state of irritation and sadness. Therapy can help you with your loved ones to help understand that although they may have good intentions, you want some space. Couples therapy and family therapy is beneficial at this time.
When To See A Therapist
The Time Is Now
Don’t put off any longer seeking the help you need. Why would you want to live in a space of misalignment any longer? You are worthy of happiness and joy. Attend a session or call today for a free 30 minute phone consultation. Let’s start the road to a happy and full recovery. Learn when to see a therapist is the best thing for you.
