Do You Need Therapy?

Numerous factors contribute to a person’s likelihood for developing a mental health disorder, including genetics, social support, standard of living, stress level and working conditions. Ongoing brain transformations and emotional, physical and social changes make teenagers vulnerable to mental health issues. While everyone faces challenges during his or her lifetime, many individuals lack sound strategies for dealing with grief, stress and worry. Unhealthy behavior and/or thought patterns, especially when they are unable to be stopped, can interfere with a person’s ability to function and negatively affect his or her relationships.

Experiencing a big life change, including positive developments like graduating or getting a promotion, can lead to emotional and physical stress. Prior trauma can interrupt daily life, with delayed reactions that include emotional detachment, flashbacks, hopelessness, isolation, self-blame and sleep disturbances. For those contemplating a major decision, such as entering recovery, a therapist can provide a neutral space with the support and tools to determine what a patient really wants. If a personal relationship feels unhealthy or has just ended, therapy can reveal if you unconsciously seek partners with issues similar to your own, have experienced the same problems before or tend to repeat past mistakes with new people.

Signs of depression include struggling to leave your bed or sofa, especially if you are not tired (The thought of getting up is simply too challenging.); dreading things that used to make you happy; and being impatient with or feeling lonely around friends and loved ones. Having difficulty concentrating, making decisions or recalling details; engaging in risky behavior; experiencing social isolation; and having frequent arguments or mood swings also can indicate a possible mental health issue(s).

Starting therapy has many benefits, including receiving feedback (both positive and negative) and a fresh perspective; facing your fears; finding peace and/or relief; learning healthy thought processes and ways to cope; and understanding triggers. During your first appointment, you can usually expect a sofa that you will be able to sit on in any way you choose. (You do not have to lay down.) As part of your therapist getting to know you, you likely will be asked, “Why did you come to see me?” Bringing both a water bottle (which may provide a pause to drink if you begin feeling anxious) and a journal (which will allow you to remember what you want to discuss during your session, especially if you are better at writing about your feelings than discussing them) can be helpful.

If you are using insurance to pay for your therapy sessions, it is important to learn the number of them that your provider typically approves. This can serve as a motivating tool to help you stay focused on your goals during treatment. You also may want to avoid scheduling anything immediately after an appointment, especially if you anticipate having a deep conversation. Therapy can reveal negative emotions and you momentarily may feel exhausted or worse afterward, rather than better. (This does not mean it is not working.)

In therapy, you will get out what you put in (i.e., you control the sessions, however, they work best when you are honest and vulnerable, even though that can be difficult). Clinical psychologists, social workers and support groups all can be effective in treating mental health issues as you develop communication strategies, coping skills and emotional tools. While it can be hard work, therapy is a valuable source of external feedback and support. Proactively seeking help is a sign of resilience and strength rather than weakness.