There are some signs that you should go to therapy that simply can’t be ignored. Self-harm behavior and addiction are sure signs that you should seek help from a therapist, but there are plenty of other reasons to go to therapy, many of which you may not have realized.
1. You’re Dealing With a Serious Illness or Injury
Things happen in life that can’t really be helped. A serious medical diagnosis, dealing with a long-term health condition, or getting injured in a serious accident can change your life in many ways—and many of the things that change are going to be scary, uncomfortable, and potentially depressing.
For example, nearly 40 percent of people who are in car accidents develop PTSD. That doesn’t mean it’s easy to tell if you have PTSD after an accident, or if you’re clinically depressed as a result of dealing with life-altering symptoms. That’s what therapy is for.
It’s always a good idea to go to therapy if you’re dealing with a serious illness or injury. A therapist can help you determine if you truly have a mental health problem, and even if you don’t, they can help you learn how to deal with your condition in healthy ways.
2. You’re Facing a Big Transition
Major life changes are a part of life. They include big changes that you may not like. For example, divorce and the death of a loved one are two changes that can cause you to live life differently, but it’s not just negative events that can cause stress. Some other big life transitions you may be facing include:
- Switching to a new job
- Moving to a new city, state, or country
- Getting married
- Having a child
- Putting a loved one in assisted living
- Retirement
Dealing with a big change can be just as challenging if it’s negative than if it’s positive. Meeting with a therapist will help you work through your feelings about the transition so you can face it fully prepared with optimism.
3. Your Relationships Are Strained
Humans are social creatures. We thrive when we have at least a few people we can count on to be there for us through thick and thin. When those relationships become strained, it’s important to pay attention and do something about it.
Couples counseling is a must if you’re struggling in your romantic relationship. It can help you uncover things you may be doing to make your relationship worse so you can make the changes needed to make it better.
Just don’t make the mistake of thinking your romantic relationship is the only one that requires therapy. If you had a difficult childhood, if you’re having a hard time connecting with a parent as an adult, or if you have a strained sibling relationship, seeing a therapist can really help. Not only might they be able to help you mend your relationship, if they can’t, they can at least help you find ways to deal with the strain in your relationship in a healthy way.
Also read: How Does Mental Illness Affect Relationships?
4. You’re Spending More and More Time Alone
There’s nothing wrong with spending time alone. It’s good to spend time with your own thoughts and to learn how to be comfortable being alone, but too much alone time can be a bad thing.
How do you know if you’re spending too much time alone? Chances are, if you’re wondering if you’re spending too much time alone, you probably are. Seeing a therapist can help.
A counselor can help you uncover why you’re spending so much time alone, and they can help you get back out there if you’re feeling nervous about leaving the house. The more you get out and the more connections you make with other people, the better you’ll feel.
5. Loss of Interest in Your Favorite Hobbies
Are there things you used to love doing, but now you don’t? This includes more traditional hobbies, like painting and baking, but it also includes doing other things too. If you used to enjoy reading before bed or watching movies on the weekend, but now you don’t really care about doing those things, you should see a therapist.
Having a loss of interest in hobbies, as well as everyday activities, is a sign of depression. The quicker you see someone when you start losing interest in things you used to enjoy, the quicker you can get back to living life back on your terms.
6. Something Needs to Change
Are you always disappointed with the way things turn out? Or maybe you’re disappointed in your loved ones’ ability or inability to be there for you in ways that you prefer? Or maybe you find yourself wondering if this is all there is to life?
If you’re disappointed with life and you know something needs to change—but you aren’t sure what—you should schedule an appointment with a therapist. They can help you uncover the source of your disappointment and take steps to change it. Whether it’s a career change, ending a stale relationship, or starting a new hobby, therapy can help you discover what you really want out of life.
Also read: How To Improve Immunity? 5 Simple & Natural Tips To Follow
7. You Want to Be Ready for Whatever Life Throws Your Way
Nearly everyone who goes to therapy does so because something is wrong. There’s no doubt that a therapist can help you move on from difficult life challenges, but something doesn’t need to be fixed in order for you to go to therapy.
Having a therapist and scheduling regular appointments can be a great way to prevent mental health problems from occurring in the first place. They can help you work through your feelings and teach you coping mechanisms, so when challenging life situations crop up, you have the tools you need to overcome them.
The signs that you may need therapy aren’t always serious or dangerous. Sometimes, it’s just a change in your life that you’re having trouble coping with. If you’re wondering if you should go to therapy, allow these signs to guide your decision.
