When the challenges in life become overwhelming you may find yourself wondering, “Do I really need professional help?!?”
The stigma of seeking psychological intervention often keeps persons from getting the help they need. The good news is seeking psychological help does not mean “yuh mad”. It just means that things are a bit tough right now.
When any type of mental health or emotional concern affects daily life and function, therapy may be recommended. Therapy can help you learn about what you’re feeling, why you might be feeling it, and how to cope. Therapy offers a safe place to talk through life challenges such as: breakups, grief, parenting difficulties, or family struggles, and develop healthy ways of coping.
SHOULD I START THERAPY?
If you experience any of the following emotions or feelings to the extent that they interfere with relationships and life, therapy may help you reduce their effects. It’s especially important to consider getting help if you feel controlled by symptoms or if they could cause harm to yourself or others:
Overwhelmed. You might feel like you have too many things to do or too many issues to cope with. You might feel like you can’t rest or even breathe. Stress and overwhelm can lead to serious physical health concerns.
Fatigue. This physical symptom often results from or accompanies mental health issues. It can indicate depression. Fatigue can cause you to sleep more than usual or have trouble getting out of bed in the morning.
Disproportionate rage, anger, or resentment. Everyone feels angry at times. Even passing rage isn’t necessarily harmful. Seeking support to deal with these feelings may be a good idea when they don’t pass, are extreme compared to the situation, or if they lead you to take violent or potentially harmful actions.
Fear of leaving the house (Agoraphobia). People with agoraphobia fear being in places where they might experience panic attacks or become trapped. Some people may become unable to leave their houses.
Anxious or intrusive thoughts. It’s normal to worry about things from time to time, but when worry takes up a significant part of your day or causes physical symptoms, therapy can help you deal with it.
Apathy. Losing interest in usual activities, the world around you, or life in general can indicate mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
Hopelessness. Losing hope or motivation, or feeling as if you have no future, can indicate depression or another mental health condition. Feeling hopeless from time to time, especially after a period of difficulty, isn’t uncommon. But when it persists, it may lead to thoughts of suicide.
Social withdrawal. Many people feel better when they’re able to spend at least some time alone. Introverted people may need even more time alone than others. But if you feel distressed around others or fear being with other people, therapy can help you understand and deal with these feelings.
Untreated mental health issues often get worse and may have other negative effects. They could also lead to:
Inability to work or go to school
Difficulty in relationships or taking care of children
Increased risk of health issues
Challenges with coping with daily stressors
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these challenges, please feel free to contact us to schedule a consultation.
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