The pandemic has opened up lots of opportunities to seek help from a licensed therapist since so many people experienced stress, anxiety, and depression during the lockdowns. According to a study published in the Lancet medical journal, mental health saw a sharp decline in 2020, and it was estimated that there were 53 million additional cases of depressive disorders worldwide.
Moreover, there were 76 million additional cases of anxiety disorders all over the globe. But experts say that the good thing about the lockdowns is that people were able to confront their feelings head on since they had a lot of time on their hands, and many saw the benefits of speaking with a therapist, even through online sessions.
It doesn’t have to take a global health crisis though to know that you need professional help. If you’re wondering if you need therapy, or if you need to battle anxiety or depression, here’s how to know when to get help, and how you can embrace the process.
Know When Therapy is Essential
There will be times when you’ll question if you need therapy or not. However, there are also instances in life when seeking help is absolutely essential, and you should find a licensed and experienced therapist to help you navigate life challenges.
Seeing a therapist or counselor is a must after a traumatic experience, such as a death of a family member, or after experiencing domestic violence or abuse.
A breakup is also a very good reason to go through talk therapy since it can cause mental health concerns. According to experts, a bad breakup can trigger hidden mental health issues, or they could come out in full force. Going through something painful or traumatic can cause distress, which may interfere with your quality of life.
More importantly, you should seek help immediately if you’ve ever thought about harming yourself or others because you can barely cope with all the negative feelings that you have inside.
Be on the Lookout for the Following Symptoms
If you haven’t had a traumatic experience yet you feel like something isn’t quite right in your life, it could be a sign that you need to see a therapist.
Some physical symptoms that indicate mental distress include fatigue– if fatigue is causing you to sleep more than usual, or if you can barely get up in the morning due to extreme tiredness, it’s a sign that you might be depressed. Feeling constant rage or anger, or suddenly losing interest in the things that previously brought you joy are also signs of anxiety or depression.
If you’re experiencing any of these things, it may be time to seek help before your fear, anger, sadness, or anxiety can negatively impact your quality of life.
Being Open to the Process
The healing process begins once you’ve chosen the right therapist for you. First, never be ashamed of the fact that you’re going to therapy, since doing so is a crucial step to improve different aspects of your life and relationships.
Next, talk to your therapist about scheduling your sessions at a good time for you. You’re more likely to focus on your sessions on days when you aren’t too busy with work, errands, or chores. Don’t be afraid to say whatever’s on your mind during sessions, and remember that your therapist isn’t there to judge or criticize you.
Also, if you’re asked to do things outside therapy, such as keeping a journal while you’re at home, make sure to do the work since it can help you progress and get to a healthier state of mind.
Everyone needs some form of mental health support, especially during traumatic or trying times. Know when to seek help from a therapist, and embrace the process to start your journey towards better mental health and happiness.
