Should I go to therapy?
If you are experiencing repeated emotional issues that are having a negative impact on your wellbeing and are interfering with your day-to-day life, it’s important you get help. You can speak with someone you trust, discuss it with your GP or it might be that you could benefit from seeing a therapist.
However, you don’t need to be in crisis, hit ‘rock bottom’, or have a diagnosed mental health condition in order to start therapy. There might be something troubling you at the moment, you might be feeling stuck, or you need some guidance with certain areas of your life such as your relationships, self-esteem or issues from your past that have re-surfaced.
Being in therapy is not a sign of weakness and isn’t anything to be ashamed about. It is important that you treat yourself seriously and ask for support so that you can get back on track.
Here are some of the signs you may need help:
You are feeling more anxious
You are feeling overwhelmed with everything
You start to avoid socialising with other people
You are sleeping more or less than usual
You are eating more or less than usual
You are feeling low and tearful without any reasons
You are getting angry more easily and you are struggling to regulate your emotions
You are reaching out for drugs or alcohol to help you get through the day
You are losing interest in activities or hobbies you used to enjoy
You are having thoughts of harming yourself
You are feeling as though you don’t want to be here anymore
These symptoms might be a sign of depression, anxiety to addiction or might have started for no clear reason. Or perhaps they have been triggered by something stressful or traumatic that is having an impact on how you are feeling.
How therapy can be beneficial to you?
Therapy gives you a safe space to talk openly and honestly about your issues with someone who is compassionate, non-judgmental and qualified to uphold your confidentiality. If you have been suffering in silence for a long time or don’t feel as though you can open up to friends or family, talking to someone who is objective and caring brings huge relief.
Therapy equips you with tools for life by providing you with skills and coping mechanisms that help you get back on track in the present moment and which you will be able to use in the future if you feel like you may be struggling.
Therapy can help you develop more self-awareness so you know how your behaviours may be impacting others and how you can communicate better with other people and how you can relate better to yourself which will improve your relationships with your loved ones, family members and colleagues.
Therapy gives you an opportunity to learn more about yourself by being aware of your feelings, thought patterns, and your behaviours. It can help you learn how your past has shaped who you are now, why you feel the way you do, and what you can do to cope better.
