5 signs that shows you need to see a therapist
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Loading... - Patrick Issack
- 11 Oct 2024
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Feeling stuck or overwhelmed is a common sign that you may need to seek professional help. If you're struggling to cope with daily tasks or feeling like you're unable to move forward, it may be time to consider therapy.
1. Feeling sad, angry, or otherwise "not yourself."
Uncontrollable sadness, anger, or hopelessness may be signs of a mental health issue that can improve with treatment. If you're eating or sleeping more or less than usual, withdrawing from family and friends, or just feeling "off," talk to someone before serious problems develop that impact your quality of life. If these feelings escalate to the point that you question whether life is worth living or you have thoughts of death or suicide, reach out for help right away.
2. You're using substance or sex to cope.
When under mental or emotional stress, we turn to things that are rewarding, numbing, distracting or destructive in order to cope — which explains why substance use and sex are often used as coping mechanisms. In the short term, substance use can temporarily help alleviate unwanted feelings like hopelessness, anxiety, irritability and negative thoughts. But in the longer run, it exacerbates these difficulties and often leads to abuse or dependence.
3. You've lost someone or something important to you.
Grief can be a long and difficult process to endure without the support of an expert. While not everyone needs counseling during these times, there is no shame in needing a little help to get through the loss of a loved one, a divorce, or significant breakup, or the loss of a job, especially if you’ve experienced multiple losses in a short period of time.
4. Something traumatic has happened.
If you have a history of abuse, neglect, or other trauma that you haven’t fully dealt with, or if you find yourself the victim of a crime or accident, chronic illness, or some other traumatic event, the earlier you talk to someone, the faster you can learn healthy ways to cope.
5. You can’t do the things you like to do.
Have you stopped doing the activities you ordinarily enjoy? If so, why? Many people find that painful emotions and experiences keep them from getting out, having fun, and meeting new people. This is a red flag that something is amiss in your life.
How to find the right therapist?
Here are a few easy, expert-approved tips to find a good therapist:
- Ask around. Ask people you trust if they have any recommendations. Someone who knows you may know what works for you.
- Look online. Conduct an online search for top psychologists in your area or for your specific mental health issue.
- Do a quick interview. Don't be afraid to call the therapists and doing a brief interview by phone. By asking questions about hours, fee, location, you can get a feel for the therapist.
