“You Need to Talk to Someone”: 11 Reasons Why Everyone Should Go To Therapy
Have you ever thought about going to therapy? Despite the negative ideas about seeing a “shrink,” talking to a therapist is a great way to move closer to your goals! Not all therapy is about family drama or bad childhoods. Therapy is a collaborative process between you and a trained mental health professional who can help you understand and manage your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It can be a helpful tool for people of all ages and backgrounds, regardless of whether you are facing a specific challenge or simply want to improve your overall well-being.
Here are some of the most common reasons people go to therapy:
To Manage Mental Health Conditions
Of course, this is the most obvious and accepted reason that people choose therapy. Therapy can help you manage a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders.
To Cope With Difficult Life Events
Seeing a therapist can be part of a healing journey. Therapy can help you cope with difficult life events such as divorce, job loss, the death of a loved one, or a chronic illness.
To Improve Your Relationships
Therapy can help you improve your relationships with your partner, family, friends, and colleagues. Sometimes, talking to someone who has an objective viewpoint can help you see possible solutions in a new way.
To Learn New Coping Skills
Therapy can teach you new coping skills to manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges. Sometimes, we expect those we love to help us solve our problems. But until we are able to manage our own negative emotions, we will struggle with the same behavior cycles.
To Improve Your Self-Esteem
Therapy can help you develop a more positive self-image and increase your self-confidence. Working with a therapist will help you understand the reasons you might struggle with constant self-criticism and doubt.
To Make Better Decisions
Therapy can help you learn to make better decisions in all areas of your life. Sometimes, we get caught in patterns of unhealthy behavior, and we don’t have the skills to stop the destructive cycles. Talking with a mental health professional will help you see your patterns and give you tools to make positive changes.
To Achieve Your Goals
Therapy can help you identify and achieve your personal and professional goals. Maybe you and your partner agree that your marriage needs a tune-up; a counselor can help you with that goal. Relationships are one of the most important things in life, and learning new ways to communicate is always beneficial.
To Live A Happier And More Fulfilling Life
Therapy can help you live a happier and more fulfilling life by helping you to understand yourself better, manage your emotions, and build healthy relationships. Life will still have its challenging moments, but you will have new skills to manage your difficult days.
To Learn To Manage Your Feeling Of Being Overwhelmed
It’s normal for all people to have feelings of being overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious; we all have those days. But when you find yourself struggling with re-occurring negative feelings that don’t go away, it’s time to see a mental health professional. You don’t have to have a “big” problem to talk with a therapist; in fact, it’s better to take steps before the problem gets any bigger.
To Figure Out Why You Are Having Trouble Concentrating Or Sleeping
Our bodies hold our emotions, and sometimes we experience physical symptoms of emotional distress. If you find yourself struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep, it might be time to talk to someone. Waking up with a “busy brain” at 3:00 a.m. might be a sign that you need to find a place to share your anxieties and fears. Of course, there are many reasons for insomnia, but talking it out with someone might just be the help you need.
To Get Help With Big Life Changes
Life is always changing. Happy, sad, or difficult changes can cause our emotions to get bunched up. We might struggle with communication, anger, or a sense of hopelessness. The loss of someone important, the addition of a new baby, or significant job changes can all contribute to intense emotions. It’s normal to need time to adjust to a new life change. If you feel like you are stuck or feeling overwhelmed with change, you might want to talk to a counselor.
If you are unsure whether therapy is right for you, you can talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. They can help you assess your needs and find a therapist who is a good fit for you. Everyone needs someone to listen to them without worrying about being judged or criticized.
Remember, there is no shame in seeking help. Therapy is a valuable tool that can help you improve your mental health and well-being, helping you build a life you love.
Melane Ann is a writer, blogger, and life coach. In 2020, she turned her experience in midlife divorce and creating a new life for herself into midlifeismagical. With a master's in Marriage and Family Therapy, Melane focuses on helping women over 50 navigate their relationships and commit to healthy aging. She and her new husband share 7 children between them. Melane jokes that she has a black belt in blended families! In addition to her writing, Melane works virtually with her coaching clients from her home office.
