Reasons to Start Therapy

While the mental health world has made great strides in de-stigmatizing the idea of going to therapy, it can still be an intimidating process. There can be many things that we feel like we have to push down in order to get through the day, and the idea of bringing those up with a professional can be scary. However, it can be the first step in bettering yourself and your mental health. Here are some signs that it could be time to start therapy.

Your Mental Health is impacting your daily life

You may not be thinking about it much in your day-to-day, but when you take a step back, your mental health may be impacting you more than you realize. Maybe you’re declining social events due to the anxiety it may cause, or you’re snoozing your work emails because it is too overwhelming to think about. This can be a form of comfort for yourself in the short term. However, the long-term effects can be lasting and can let anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues take over. This can be a telltale sign that therapy could be a helpful next step. While it may feel out of your comfort zone, talking with a therapist can help get you back to your daily routine, doing all of the activities that you enjoy. 

You’re feeling stuck

You may have made other attempts at bettering yourself in the past. However, this time might feel different. Sometimes, we need an individualized approach to mental health. A therapist can help you on a unique level that is not one-size-fits-all. This detailed approach can result in a treatment plan that is best for you. With an individualized treatment plan, you can feel a better sense of control over your progress. A therapist can often bring a perspective that you might not be able to see yourself, and this can aid in getting through that stuck feeling. Your therapist will be cheering alongside you, which can help increase the confidence you have in yourself to make change.

You need an unbiased space

While advice from family and friends can be helpful, it is naturally going to come from a biased place. This is no one’s fault- they are all invested in your story and want the best for you. However, this advice may not necessarily be in your best interest, or it can cloud how you really feel about a situation. Therapy is arguably the only space you can have to talk things out with someone without their individual opinion on what you should do. This can lead to a sense of security you have in your decision-making, because you know that it is exactly what you want to do without the influence of others.

You’re nervous, but motivated

Regardless of how ready you may be, seeing a therapist for the first time can be nerve-wracking! You are signing up to be vulnerable and share things with someone that you may have kept to yourself for a long time. While these nerves can be completely normal, it does not need to be a sign that it is the wrong time to start therapy. It is important to acknowledge your ability to push past these nerves and let your motivation to better yourself be the driving force behind starting therapy. Change is scary, but trusting yourself that the results can be worth it is important to keep in mind.

Starting therapy can be an intimidating process. It is important to remember that your therapist has your best interests at heart, and their main goal is to help you reach your goals. Talking to your therapist about any fears you may have about the process can bring comfort to the process and help shine a light on your potential. Taking the first step can often be the hardest part, and it is important to not only give yourself grace but to celebrate starting this journey.