8 Signs You May Need Therapy
Perhaps you're feeling down or stuck or you're noticing negative patterns in your life that you can't seem to kick. Maybe you're experiencing loss, rejection or going through a difficult life transition. Therapy can be a place to express yourself without judgement. A therapist can also help you unearth deep-rooted issues that often evade conscious awareness.
Whether you've been in therapy for years and are considering coming back or you’re thinking about therapy for the first time, the question is, how do you know when you may need therapy in a non-optional sort of way?
Your Performance is Slipping
Worsening mental health can get in the way of your ability to concentrate, complete assignments, engage with co-workers/peers and maintain the energy necessary to get your work done. If you're having difficulty getting out of bed in the morning, moving through your day and accomplishing important tasks, seeking a therapist's guidance can help you understand why you're feeling this way and help you learn more adaptive ways to manage your symptoms.
You Can't Shake Your Blue Mood
While we all experience periodic mood swings, it's important to pay attention to the intensity of your feelings. Anger, irritability, hopelessness, melancholy and inexplicable crying can be signs of full-blown depression. Without the right interventions, depression can worsen and lead to feelings of worthlessness and even thoughts of suicide. A skilled holistic therapist can help you make sense of your feelings while educating you about the benefits of sleep hygiene, exercise, healthy eating and mindfulness. A therapist can also determine whether or not you need medication in addition to therapy and guide you to the right psychiatric provider.
Your Relationships Are Suffering
If you're experiencing martial or family-relationship distress or if you're stuck in a pattern of pushing people away, it may be time to see a therapist. Communication breakdowns, unresolved conflicts or trust issues can create rifts and erode our relationships. A therapist can act as a mediator, of sorts, and teach you healthier communication styles and conflict resolution. A therapist can also address trauma that may be affecting the way you see yourself and interact with others. Therapeutic techniques such as EMDR and DBT can help you process past trauma and learn skills to better understand relationships and your needs within those relationships.
Your Anxiety Has Spilled Over
In our fast-paced world, the prevalence of anxiety is on the rise, especially among young people. Social media, climate change, mass shootings, natural disasters, political polarization and isolation are all contributing to this trend.
If you are suffering from sleep issues, irritability or excessive worry, dread and uneasiness, it may be time to talk to a therapist. Therapy can provide practical tools to help manage your day-to-day anxieties, including stress management, mindfulness and resilience-building strategies. Therapy can also help you address, confront and overcome your anxiety by providing the best, research-based therapy available.
You’re Feeling Lonely
Did you know that loneliness has become an epidemic in this country? Chronic loneliness is a serious matter and can make you vulnerable to a range of mental and physical health conditions, from anxiety to paranoia and diabetes to dementia. Talking to a therapist not only provides much-needed human connection but can also provide tools to challenge negative thought patterns, build self-esteem and explore new ways to engage with the world. For those who suffer from chronic loneliness, a therapist can be crucial to helping you take the first step to connecting with others.
Your Body Doesn't Feel Right
Integrative medicine has taught us that physical health and mental health are intricately connected. If you're suffering from chronic illness, headaches, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, digestive issues or chronic pain without identifiable physical causes, a therapist can help you delve into the underpinnings of your issues, which may be rooted in past trauma. Addressing mental health concerns through therapy, stress management, mindfulness practices and a strong support system can positively impact physical health and reduce the risk of associated health issues.
You’re Self-Medicating
Are you finding yourself drinking more heavily than usual or using substances to sleep or get through the day? Substance abuse can be triggered by a range of emotions and life situations and can quickly spiral out of control. Addictive substances can trigger complex changes in the brain's reward system leading to heightened cravings. Over time, the habitual nature of substance abuse can impair your decision-making and get in the way of your ability to function. Therapy can provide a structured approach to unravel your triggers, reframe thought patterns, build coping strategies and get to the root of why you're abusing substances in the first place. What’s more, the right therapist can provide Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), which combines medications with counseling and lifestyle changes.
You're Having a Faith Crisis
The process of breaking away from any religious foundation is intensely personal and can lead to confusion, loneliness and a slew of negative mental health outcomes. And in some cases, a faith crisis can cause painful family estrangements. The right therapist understands the nuances associated with faith crises and spiritual transitioning and can help you navigate this complicated journey.
If one or more of the above situations speaks to you, it may be time to start therapy. Remember, therapy isn't just for those in crisis. Nor is it a sign of weakness. Therapy can be the very tool you need to get back into the driver's seat of life and can help you gain insight into what you need to be healthier and happier.