Life

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9 Signs You Should Give Therapy A Try
by Kerri McAneney

There are quite a few misconceptions about going to therapy. Although efforts have been made to end the stigma attached to mental health care, a lot of these myths remain. Those who talk to psychiatrist's are deemed "crazy," "weak," or in a "dangerous" place. In reality, those who seek out help for mental health issues are incredibly strong. But how does one know if they need some of that extra help? Well, there are some signs you should give therapy a try.

Most people go to a physician to to ensure they are physically healthy. And, for many people, going to a therapy session is the equivalent of a mental physical. So why do so many people seem to have a problem with talking to a professional about some of there issues? According to Forbes, many people grow up with the idea that any inner turmoil should be pushed aside or ignored. Not dealing with these issues can actually be more trouble than their worth.

Everyone is deserving of a chance to seek out help, but people are oftentimes unsure if they should even consider it. Here are a few signs that therapy could be something that would be a good idea.

1

You Lack Motivation

Everyone has days where getting out of bed is a struggle, but Brown University noted that struggling constantly is not good. This is especially troublesome when certain activities that once made life joyful are now dreaded. Online success coach Tess Phillip told Elite Daily that this could be due to difficulties in one’s personal life or a perceived lack of purpose. A great way to figure that out is by talking to a pro.

2

You've Experienced Some Trauma

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Everyone has their own way of dealing with trauma. But Psychology Today noted that not dealing with trauma can cause some major repercussions like anxiety, depression, and post traumatic stress disorder. Whether it is a past trauma or something more current, the only way to surpass it is by working through it.

3

You Want To Have A Better Understanding Of Yourself

Going to therapy doesn’t mean something is wrong. Sometimes, As psychologist Ryan Howes told Reader's Digest, therapy is about studying oneself. Sitting down with a professional could shed light on certain aspects that you may be blind to.

4

You Have Unhealthy Behaviors

Going out and having a good time isn’t a crime, but when certain pleasures are performed in excess or are becoming a habit, then it’s time to re-access. Psychology Today noted that certain compulsive habits like gambling, sex, drugs, and alcohol may be caused by emotional distress.

5

You Struggle With Relationships

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Making and maintaining relationships can be tough sometimes. If keeping long term friendships is a struggle or romantic relationships are tough to handle, then seeing a therapist could be a good way to figure things out. As psychologist Dr. Marisa Alter to Reader's Digest, relationship problems can stem from personal struggles and could be resolved with therapy.

6

You Feel Things In Extremes

When something bad happens, it seems like the world is coming to an end. And while blowing a fuse is not something to be ashamed of, if certain emotions are continually difficult to manage then there is a problem. According to Good Therapy, such issues have the potential to affect someone’s ability to think rationally and proficiently carry out tasks.

7

You Want Support

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Again, going to therapy does not mean that there is something wrong with you. People sometimes need to go through different avenues to find support. According to an article in Reader's Digest, seeking someone who is not within one’s own family or friend group to listen to personal problems can help.

8

You Want To Be The Best Parent You Can Be

Parents want nothing more than to do the best for their child. However, as psychologist Dr. Ryan Howes told Psychology Today, parents can inadvertently practice poor parenting patterns learned during their own childhood. Taking this step in understanding why this is done will improve not only the parent, but also the child.

9

You Want To Love Yourself

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Looking in the mirror and loving the person who looks back is tough. An article on Psych Central by Elizabeth Venzin explained that having low-self esteem can lead to some mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Psychology Today added that going to therapy can help work on that self love and on prioritizing happiness.