People seek out therapy for wide variety of reasons. Some go to therapy to process relationship issues or to aid in healing from a breakup or divorce. Many people come to counseling to build their self-esteem and work towards living a more confident and happy life, while others turn to therapy when feeling overwhelmed with general life stressors or when experiencing grief from a significant loss.
We all go through rough patches and struggles in life, and sometimes seeking the help of a licensed therapist can get you through the hard times. We mentioned some of the life events that would lead people to therapy, but when do you know it’s time? Here are a few reasons you might seek therapy...
1. You feel stuck.
When you’re feeling stuck, it can seem like no matter what you try, it still feels hopeless. Sometimes “stuck” may be that you know what you need to do but are having a difficult time getting there on your own.
2. You feel disconnected from others around you.
We believe that, as humans, we are hardwired to relate to one another, so feeling disconnected from others around you or experiencing isolation can affect many parts of your wellbeing. It may also be that you no longer enjoy hanging out with your friends or doing activities that you used to enjoy.
3. You’ve been talking a problem in circles with your family and friends.
Having close relationships with family and friends is super beneficial. It’s so important to have a support system to lean on! At times, though, it’s especially helpful to have an unbiased and skilled therapist help you through the most difficult of life’s challenges.
4. People in your life like to tell you what you should do.
Again, we love a good support system; however, in friendships it can be difficult to watch someone stumble through a rough patch. People tend to show they care by trying to minimize pain and make it better. This sometimes translates to a lot of unsolicited advice that is not as helpful as intended.
5. It feels like you’re not measuring up.
In the world of social media, social comparison is running rampant, and it can be easy to slip into unhealthy thinking patterns. Therapy can help process these feelings and help you get a game plan in place to get to where you want to be.
6. Your self-talk is critical and negative.
Take a minute to reflect on your internal critic, a.k.a. the voice in your head. How does this voice sound? We are typically much harder on ourselves than we would be to even a stranger on the street. Sometimes changing your negative and critical self-talk can be the first step towards growth.
7. You are experiencing unexplained physical symptoms like headaches, stomach problems, or sleep difficulties.
Emotional stress can manifest in a number of ways, and oftentimes, it results in physical ailments. When your body feels off, and there is not a medical explanation, it may be time to explore your emotional stress levels to help you get back on track.
8. You are self-medicating with alcohol or drugs.
When you find yourself turning to drugs or alcohol more than you used to, you may be using these substances to numb pain or emotional issues. Therapy can help you cope with these emotions in healthier ways.