Everyday life comes with its challenges and problems and no matter how hard we try to move past them, the pressure can take a toll on our mental health.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, millions of people in the U.S. suffer from mental health problems. Only a half of them will seek professional help.
When left unaddressed, these issues can interfere with normal functioning. This leads to reduced work productivity, lower happiness levels, and increased irritability.
Depending on the issue you may have and your openness to the therapy experience, you can try different approaches and kinds of therapy.
Read on to discover the most important reasons to see a therapist and start improving your mental health today.
Therapist vs. Psychiatrist: Main Differences
Before you seek therapy, it’s important to distinguish between a therapist and a psychiatrist so you can choose the best option for you.
A therapist deals with mental health symptoms and helps you manage your life, relationships, and stress better. They’re licensed to perform therapy and use different techniques and methods. However, they’re not medical doctors so they cannot prescribe medication.
A psychiatrist treats people with mental health disorders. These include clinical depression, schizophrenia, addiction, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders. They have a medical degree, which means they can prescribe medication.
You can also find relief for some mental health disorders by talking to a therapist in addition to a psychiatrist. They’ll help you learn useful ways and tools to manage the symptoms.
Anxiety and Depression
One of the main reasons people seek therapy is because of anxiety and depression. These two disorders often go hand in hand and can be difficult to manage on your own.
Anxiety is more than just a feeling of stress as the person suffering often feels like the world is crumbling and they are overcome by a sense of doom. Thoughts are racing and are often negative so the body feels tense and prepared to fight or flight, especially during a panic attack.
Depression is on the opposite spectrum and is a result of various factors. The person suffering feels hopeless, constantly sad, and unable to do everyday tasks such as bathing, leaving the house, or making the bed.
Dissatisfaction With Life
If you feel unhappy with life for no “apparent” reason and are not sure where your problem comes from, you might be wondering what to expect during therapy.
The therapist will ask you questions and based on your answers, they’ll determine the best strategy to help you. They’ll also discover the root of your unhappiness.
It’s important to be completely honest with your therapist in order to make the most out of your sessions. For therapy to be successful, you should not hide things or lie about things. No matter what your problem is, a good therapist won’t judge you or make you feel bad or guilty about what you’re going through.
Work-Related Problems
Work-related stress, workplace bullying, or a highly-demanding job can be a reason for you to seek therapy. If you’re unhappy with your job, boss, or co-workers, this dissatisfaction will affect your productivity.
One of the most wonderful benefits of seeing a therapist is to discover what you want from your job and your career. Your therapist can help you gain the confidence to go after your dreams and stand up for yourself in the workplace.
The same goes for school-related stress and the pressure to fit in, especially for elementary school students and teens in high school. Whether the stress is a result of getting good grades, bullying, peer pressure, or physical appearance, these feelings are valid. They need to be addressed before they do more damage.
If you’re a parent of a child struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, or behavior problems, it’s important to seek therapy for them right away. This will help them go through this stage much easier so they can understand themselves and their environment better.
Relationship or Marital Problems
One of the most common reasons for going to therapy is marital problems or relationship problems. Couples who fight a lot, don’t spend enough quality time together or are considering divorce can benefit from couples therapy.
In couples therapy, you and your partner will both attend the sessions, but may also attend some sessions individually. The therapist will give you tools and tips to communicate better and start mending the relationship in a healthy way.
Grief and Loss
Grief after the loss of a loved one is an extremely important reason to see a therapist. If you’ve been wondering when to see a therapist after loss, it’s best to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Dealing with grief is a process and you’ll likely go through different stages as time goes by. Therapy can help you process your emotions in a healthy way so you don’t get stuck and unable to move forward.
Low Self-Confidence
Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, low self-confidence and self-esteem can be an obstacle for you to enjoy life to its fullest. Luckily, this is something you can improve with the help of a trained therapist who will help you realize your worth and fulfill your potentials.
Together, you’ll uncover the reasons behind your lack of self-confidence. You’ll learn coping mechanisms and change your thoughts. You’ll discover and develop your unique talents and build your self-esteem in a healthy way.
Is Therapy for You? These Important Reasons To See a Therapist Will Help You Decide
Whether you’re a parent of a child with behavioral problems or you just want to manage your mental health better, these are the most common reasons to see a therapist.
If you’re not sure if therapy will work for you, it’s best to schedule an appointment and take it from there. In most cases, people who go to therapy enjoy many physical, mental, and emotional benefits and improvements.
Ready to take your mental health into your own hands? Discover our therapy services and learn which therapy is the right choice for your needs.
