Should You Go to Therapy?
Short answer: yes. Now, I fully acknowledge that I’m biased. I believe that everyone can benefit from having a neutral third-party person to unpack and process their life. The power of processing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors from someone who is in no way connected to you cannot be understated. The longer answer: it depends on your current well-being, your support system, your goals and your resources. For those that have a secure attachment style, a healthy communication style, a strong support system, and relatively minor struggles, therapy might still be really beneficial and helpful for self-growth. For those that have anxious, avoidant, or disorganized attachment style, struggle with communicating, a lack luster support system, or have experienced traumatic events.
Ladies, let’s face it. We have a lot on our plates. We wear many hats, and sometimes they don’t fit very well. We’re mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, friends, professionals, and more. We deal with sexism, discrimination, harassment, violence, or abuse. We cope with hormonal changes, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or aging. We struggle with body image, self-esteem, or identity issues.
And we’re expected to do it all with a smile and a perfect manicure.
But sometimes, we need a break. Sometimes, we need some help. Sometimes, we need a therapist.
Therapy is not a sign of weakness, failure, or craziness. It is a sign of courage, strength, and wisdom. Therapy can help you cope with various challenges in life, such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship issues, and more. Therapy can also help you grow, heal, and achieve your goals.
But how do you know when you need therapy? There is no definitive answer to this question, as everyone’s situation is different. However, there are some common signs that may indicate that therapy could benefit you. Here are some of them:
You feel overwhelmed by your emotions. You may experience intense feelings of sadness, anger, fear, guilt, or shame that interfere with your daily functioning. You may cry a lot, have mood swings, or feel numb or detached. You may also have thoughts of harming yourself or others. (Hint: this is not normal, and you deserve better.)
You have difficulty coping with stress. You may feel constantly worried, nervous, or anxious about various aspects of your life, such as work, school, family, health, or finances. You may have trouble sleeping, eating, concentrating, or relaxing. You may also experience physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomachaches, chest pain, or fatigue. (Hint: this is not healthy, and you deserve better.)
You have trouble maintaining healthy relationships. You may feel lonely, isolated, or misunderstood by others. You may have conflicts, arguments, or communication problems with your partner, family, friends, or co-workers. You may also struggle with trust, intimacy, or commitment issues. (Hint: this is not fun, and you deserve better.)
You have experienced a traumatic event. You may have witnessed or been a victim of violence, abuse, neglect, accident, disaster, or loss. You may have flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories of the event. You may also avoid anything that reminds you of the trauma, or feel hypervigilant, irritable, or on edge. (Hint: this is not fair, and you deserve better.)
You have a mental health condition. You may have been diagnosed with a mental illness, such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or personality disorder. You may also have symptoms that suggest you may have a mental illness, such as changes in your mood, behavior, thoughts, or perception. (Hint: this is not your fault, and you deserve better.)
You are using substances to cope. You may rely on alcohol, drugs, or other substances to numb your pain, escape your problems, or enhance your mood. You may also have difficulty controlling your substance use, or experience negative consequences, such as health problems, legal issues, or relationship troubles. (Hint: this is not helping, and you deserve better.)
You are not satisfied with your life. You may feel stuck, unhappy, or unfulfilled with your current situation. You may have low self-esteem, confidence, or motivation. You may also have difficulty finding meaning, purpose, or direction in your life. (Hint: this is not the end, and you deserve better.)
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself, or if you have any other concerns that affect your mental or emotional well-being, I encourage you to consider therapy. Therapy can provide you with a safe, supportive, and confidential space to explore your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Therapy can also help you identify and address the root causes of your problems, and teach you coping skills and strategies to overcome them. Therapy can also help you discover and enhance your strengths, resources, and potential.
Finding the right therapist for you is an important step in your healing journey. You want to find someone who is qualified, experienced, and compatible with your needs and preferences. You can use various sources to find a therapist, such as online directories, referrals, or reviews. You can also contact me at ViewPoint Mental Health Counseling, where I offer therapy to women of all ages and backgrounds in Olathe and surrounding areas.
If you are interested in therapy, or if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at (913)214-1083 or email me at tarnold@vpmentalhealth.com.
Remember, you are not alone, and you deserve to be happy and healthy. Therapy can help you get there. I hope to hear from you soon.