Maryland therapists see it all the time: individuals and families who feel overwhelmed but are unsure whether seeking professional help is necessary, so they continue to struggle without support. Maybe they think that going to therapy is a stigma, or perhaps they simply believe that their mental health is “good enough.” Unfortunately, these people are missing out on one of the most powerful mental wellness tools within their reach.
Suppose you are considering whether now is the right time to schedule your first therapy appointment. Rest assured that no challenge is too small! Some people start therapy even if nothing is “wrong”; they simply want to develop positive habits and coping skills that will serve them in any of life’s challenges. Still on the fence? Here are the five main signs that you should start therapy.
Essential Takeaways
- Therapy can be an excellent fit for anyone, and no one should feel shame or embarrassment for making the wise choice to seek help from professionals.
- If you are experiencing stress, anxiety, or heavily fluctuating emotions, therapy may be a good choice.
- Significant life changes, trauma, and a general sense of overwhelm also fall into categories that should prompt a visit with a professional.
- Therapists often help patients who are struggling with their relationships, either with family, friends, intimate partners, or even themselves.
Top Five Signs You Should Start Therapy
Therapy is a proactive step toward your overall well-being. You are not broken, weak, or lost if you need therapy. Instead, you are courageous and wise for getting the help you need! If you are not sure whether your situation is something you want to explore in therapy, here are some signs that you should schedule an appointment:
You Experience Stress and Anxiety That Will Not Go Away
Everyone gets stressed or anxious sometimes, but those feelings should pass. You may feel stress while working on a complex project, or you might become nervous before a big performance.
However, if your stress and anxiety levels fluctuate wildly or persist over weeks or months, you have options to give your body and mind some rest. A therapist can help you identify the main sources of your stress and nervousness. From there, you can collaborate to create a strategy that mitigates the impact of that source on your life. You may also practice coping skills so that, should another significant stressor come later, you are already prepared through your work in individual therapy.
You Have Difficulty Managing Your Emotions
Some people are, by nature, a little unpredictable; they might vacillate between happy and sad quickly or have a “short fuse.” However, if you are struggling to stay in control of your emotions or if you experience significant shifts in your emotional state frequently or intensely, therapy can help.
Emotions serve us; it is not wrong to be angry or upset. However, the intensity and duration of those emotions can be managed collaboratively with a therapist. From coping strategies to reframing your thought patterns, therapy provides essential tools to help you stay balanced.
You Are Struggling in Relationships or With Family
Are you experiencing more conflict or communication breakdowns with your friends, family, or partner(s)? Are you isolated and alone, unable to connect with others? Therapy can help you to work on not just communication but also empathy and problem-solving. Couples therapy is a good starting point for many of these challenges.
You Are Going Through Trauma or a Significant Life Change
Significant life changes (even positive ones, such as marriage!) can leave you feeling unmoored and insecure. A range of emotions during this time is normal, but some people may feel paralyzed or even afraid of what the future may hold. They might struggle to break free of thoughts, habits, or emotions tied to past difficulties.
Therapists can help patients break down their life’s struggles and reconstitute them in manageable ways. Sometimes, that may be through cognitive behavioral or exposure therapy to minimize the effects of trauma. In other situations, working together to practice coping skills and break apart significant changes into manageable steps works well.
You Are Overwhelmed or Feel Lost
Sometimes, a person cannot necessarily point to a single thing that is causing them distress. If you are feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, empty, or lost, therapy can help. It can provide strategies to regain control and rediscover the direction you would like to take your life in.
Get Help From a Therapist Who Meets You Where You Are
Are you ready to try therapy? The compassionate team at Village Counseling is ready to help! From our same-day sessions to individual, couples, and LGBTQ+ friendly appointments, we have the knowledge to help you no matter the struggle you are experiencing. We even offer telehealth services! Contact Village Counseling today to sign up and see the difference in your life.