5 signs you might benefit from therapy
Many people may be curious about going to therapy, but not know if it’s right for them. Therapy can help manage mental health, but can also help with relationship and communication issues, setting and working towards personal goals, understanding yourself better, and more. Read on for a few different signs you might benefit from therapy.
1. Wanting to understand yourself more
If you’re interested in understanding yourself better, therapy can be a really helpful place to do that.You might have a lot going on in your life and need more support. You might be experiencing extreme or new emotions that you’d like to better appreciate. There also might be things in your past that come up and you’re interested to delve into your past experiences more as well.
Additionally, you might even feel like you’re not yourself or feel “off” recently. If there are any changes in your mood lasting more than two weeks, especially if there isn’t a specific reason why you might benefit from talking to a therapist.
2. Relationships and communication
Therapy can assist if you are wanting to improve your relationships. This can involve improving communication skills. You also might feel that relationships have been difficult for you lately or even for a long time. If you feel your relationships are being impacted by your emotional state, a therapist can help you take a closer look.
Some other signs you might benefit from therapy include feeling increasingly irritable. You might find that you’ve been isolating yourself or you’re unable to control your anger. If you’re having trouble connecting to others, feel lonely despite being around others, or avoid social situations, therapy can help with these situations. Additionally, there may be issues you don’t feel you can talk to your partner, friends, or family about. Having a therapist who is confidential and non-judgmental can be a huge help. A therapist is on your side and works with you to meet your goals regarding relationships and communication.
3. Affecting your work
Have your emotional or mental symptoms been affecting your job? Maybe you can’t focus, you feel preoccupied with certain topics, or you’re just not able to be present at work. Perhaps you feel like you have a high “mental load,” or your mind is rarely clear. If your boss or colleagues are concerned about you and suggested you need to change your behaviors, therapy is a great way to address those issues.
4. Feeling stuck
Have you noticed feeling stuck or trapped? Maybe you consistently feel tired. If you feel overwhelmed with thoughts and need someone to talk to without judgment, a therapist can provide a safe space to do so. Perhaps you’re simply ready for a change, and you are willing to put in the effort to change what needs to be changed.
You might also notice physical ailments like stomachaches, headaches, or fatigue that your doctor hasn’t found a medical reason for. Stress and intense emotions can lead to biological symptoms. A mental health professional can help you examine if this is what’s contributing to issues with your physical health.
5. Unhealthy coping skills
If you noticed you started drinking, smoking, or using drugs much more than in the past, you might benefit from therapy. This could be a sign of more stress in your life and a lack of healthy coping skills. Have you noticed an increase or decrease in your appetite? Overeating can be used as an unhealthy coping skill. Under-eating could signal stress and mental health challenges as well. Both overeating and under-eating could lead to changes in weight that you didn’t plan for, so make note if you notice rapid weight fluctuations. Sometimes even oversleeping is used as a coping skill as well when emotional challenges come up.
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In reality, you don’t need a specific sign to try out therapy. You might just be curious about therapy. You may want someone you can trust who is well-trained to help you work through whatever is coming up on a weekly basis. A therapist is like a guide to help you live a happier and healthier life. Therapy can help you feel better and set specific goals. Therapy can also help you prevent future problems. Additionally, if you’ve experienced a trauma like a miscarriage or abusive relationship, you might benefit from therapy.
Are you interested in learning more about therapy? Are you looking for more support? Please reach out to us. Our team of therapists is here to provide support and guidance. We look forward to connecting with you.
