”You need therapy” is a phrase you may have often heard, probably someone saying it as an insult or stupid joke. We often say it to people we disagree with or a friend we feel is wrong but don’t understand why. As a result, many people don’t know when it is seriously time to seek therapy. Some are skeptical about it, while others see it as unnecessary self-indulgence. So what are some of the signs you need to seek therapy?
It seems challenging to process something in your life.
We often feel like we can’t really articulate what we are feeling or struggling with at times. When you are going through such a feeling, therapy serves as a mirror that you can hold up to see the inner you through the eyes of a professional trained to see you comprehensively. Therapy helps break down your inner mind to understand what you are going through from your own perspective.
You have a short temper than usual, and it is affecting your relationships
Do you seem to get easily annoyed by your family or friends over little things that wouldn’t bother you earlier? If you seem to have a shorter fuse than usual and it negatively impacts your mood and other aspects of your life, therapy can help.
According to a therapist at the Green psychology group, paying attention to everyday stressors and how the situation is changing over time can help you determine if therapy is right for you. Therapy can help you determine some of the root causes of these reactions and develop better-coping skills.
You can use unbiased, confidential talk.
Many people compare therapy to talking to a friend, but it is different. A therapist is an unbiased professional and will not get tired no matter how many times you come back to them. They want the best for you and can help you iron out the wrinkles in your mind, heart, and spirit, which is very different from the type of talk you can have with your friend.
You feel overwhelmed
Sometimes, feeling overwhelmed is a normal part of life, but you need a therapist if it doesn’t get any better. You could be overwhelmed by relationships, work, or even your own emotions making it difficult to process and cope with everyday life. Therapy helps you understand these feelings and identify any internal or external factors contributing to your irritability so that you improve your wellbeing.
You experienced trauma
Trauma can be devastating, whether caused by an accident, assault, bullying, death, rape, etc. It can significantly impact your interpersonal relationships and even manifest physically. A therapist can help you process the emotional impact and understand your response to triggers to be receptive to healing.
You are abusing alcohol, drugs, sex, or gambling to escape
It is normal to feel like alcohol, drugs, sex, or gambling gives you some solace when you are going through a complicated situation such as grief, trauma, heartbreak, divorce, or any other sort of pain. However, these things suppress the pain temporarily, only for the emotions to come back stronger when something triggers them.
Besides, you will be addicted before you realize it. If you cannot control such behaviors, you may be experiencing compulsive behavior or addiction, and seeking therapy is highly recommended.
You cannot enjoy life as you used to do
After going through a challenging situation in life, you may find that the painful experience keeps you from enjoying life again like you used to do. Maybe you experienced a significant breakup, and the painful emotions keep you from meeting new people, interacting, or even doing things you used to enjoy. If you have taken enough time to heal and still cannot enjoy life like before, that indicates something is amiss, and psychotherapy can help.
You are experiencing disruptions in appetite and sleep.
Your emotional health directly impacts your appetite and sleeping patterns. You may experience sleeplessness and loss of appetite when sad, stressed, or severely depressed. Lack of sleep and adequate food is not good for your health. Therefore if you realize that you have insomnia and cannot eat well for an extended period than usual, it is time to seek therapy and assess the situation.
You are grieving
Everyone handles grief differently. It is normal to feel sad, hopeless, confused, angry, guilty, or suicidal when grieving. Still, psychotherapy is highly advisable when you feel like the burden is too much to bear. Grief comes in many forms, including losing a loved one, a job, friendship, divorce, a significant breakup, loss of a limb, or a series of losses in a short period. There is no shame in seeking therapy to help you cope with grief.
You are struggling to build or maintain relationships
Your emotional health can positively or negatively impact your relationships. When your mental health is not okay, you may pull out from people close to you, relationships, and friendships. You may find it challenging to cultivate a healthy relationship at school or work, communicate with others, collaborate with your colleagues, and so forth.
In such a case, psychotherapy can help you understand your emotions, uncover the underlying problem and learn adaptive ways to regulate your feelings bringing back your social skills.
You feel stuck in life.
Psychotherapy is beneficial when you feel like your life is stagnant, unfilled, or stuck. This happens when you don’t feel any better, no matter how much you try to change your habits emotionally or physically. A therapist can help you identify the anxieties and fears holding you back so that you can re-identify yourself.
You want to improve but don’t know where to start.
Sometimes it is hard to understand yourself or the interpersonal situations you find yourself in. A professional therapist can help you understand yourself so that you can improve. Additionally, they can help you learn to accept others’ points of view to be aware of your impact on others. That way, you can be more effective in your social interactions.
