In 2020, therapy continues to be mysterious and a somewhat misunderstood. Despite the stigmas still associated with mental health, we have made some progress in raising awareness. People often assume that only those with more severe disorders seek out mental health treatment, which is not the case.
There are many reasons why people seek out therapy — from crisis to simply wanting to improve their quality of life. Here are some of the most common reasons people decide to give therapy a try.
1. Am I sad or is this depression?
Since awareness for mental health is improving, a lot of people are more comfortable and curious about their own mental health. People want to know if that weird quirk they have might be OCD or if sleeping 16 hours a day might be a sign they’re depressed. Ups and downs, along with being anxious, are feelings we all experience; however, figuring out if those feelings are “clinical symptoms” requires us to seek some professional input.
2. Getting it off your chest
Never underestimate the power of a good venting. Acute stress can have jarring and immediate effects on someone’s mental health. For some people, it only takes 1-2 sessions to effectively “get things off their chest” and then they feel like a new person. Why pay a therapist just to vent when you can call a friend for free, right? Sure, most people have supportive people in their lives, but it’s not the same as being able to sit in front of a relative stranger and not feel judged or invalidated no matter what is said. For many, counseling offers that safe and validating space.
3. DIY
A little information can go a long way. Some people simply want tools and some education about how to manage certain issues or their diagnosis. After a few sessions of learning about their diagnosis or incorporating new coping skills and strategies, they are good to go. Many people would be surprised how many things healthy sleep habits can fix.
4. Adjustment
Breakups, job loss and being trapped at home during a pandemic are all examples of temporary but difficult situations that warrant some adjustment. We are naturally not going to feel our best during these rough patches. That’s just a part of the human experience; however, some may seek out therapy for extra support during these times. Therapy by no means will make these rough patches painless, but it can help someone navigate them more effectively. More than a few people make therapy a part of their regular self-care, even after these rough patches are over.
On the flip side, a positive change also can shake someone’s world up. For example, finally completing your graduate program, as amazing as it is, can really throw someone for a loop. Regardless of how happy the new graduate may be about these changes, they still require major adjustments and may stir up some uncomfortable feelings.
Another type of adjustment is when someone’s old tricks stop working. Managing those quirks or the symptoms they’re already familiar with may go from doable to nearly impossible. Some changes may require people to completely switch up their game because the’re exposed to challenges never faced before.
5. Doctor’s orders
Primary care providers are often the first medical professional to identify potential mental health issues affecting their patients. Often a PCP will refer a patient for a mental health assessment to rule out psychiatric issues as a potential cause of their symptoms. Anxiety is notorious for causing mysterious stomach pain, while depression is often a cause of someone’s low energy, insomnia or chronic pain. Doctors want their patients to improve, and sometimes the best way to do that is with a referral.
6. Self-care versus symptom management
No one needs to be currently struggling with a mental disorder in order to seek out therapy. Many people use therapy as a part of regular self-care. Their biweekly sessions to help them navigate life and seek support from a nonjudgmental and objective source.
For others, therapy is a necessary part of their symptom management. This group of people are generally struggling with chronic symptoms that cannot be fixed in a few sessions or by being prescribed the right medication. Their weekly appointments are integral for maintaining their quality of life. They usually struggle with chronic symptoms and will require long term therapy.
Regardless of which group a person may fall into or what goals they have, therapy is probably a great fit.
For questions or to make an appointment, call the Willowbrooke Counseling Center at 770-812-8863. Learn more at WillowbrookeCounselingCenter.org.