We have all felt out of control in our own bodies at some point, and if you have not, congratulations you’re a superhero! But for the rest of us, what if I told you there is a way to take back control? The answer is therapy.
Let me start by explaining my personal experience with mental illness. I have been seeing a therapist on and off since I was 15 years old. I am diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, which means I get anxious over literally nothing…constantly. I also have Clinical Depression, which seems to be my anxiety’s partner in crime because when I’m not flipping out over something, I’m feeling absolutely nothing and sitting in a corner. I have dealt with these problems my whole life. I thought these were just normal feelings until I spoke up and decided to see a therapist.
Therapy has done amazing things for my mental health. I probably wouldn’t be here in college if it wasn’t for therapy. Now I know what you’re thinking, “I don’t need therapy. I’m fine.” And that might be true, but you don’t have to have a mental illness to see a therapist. A therapist is simply an outside source that you can feel comfortable talking to. I think everyone should see a therapist at least once in their life. Sometimes it’s nice to get an outsider’s opinion.
However if you do think that something is wrong, there is no better time than now to get help. It’s okay not to be okay. I was living in my own torture for years before I got up the courage to ask for help. It was hard, and it’s going to be hard. There are going to be obstacles; for example, a parent who doesn’t support the idea of therapy or not finding a therapist that connects with you. From personal experience, I know you can get through both of those problems. It took me four different therapists before finding the one I adore.
For those who want to give therapy a shot this 2018, here are some things to think about:
1. You probably won’t click with the first therapist you see
No matter how many recommendations from people you get, what works for someone else might not work for you.
2. You don’t have to see a therapist for the rest of your life
Once you do find a therapist that works for you, it does not mean you are obligated to see them forever. You might just need them for a year or so, but do not be discouraged if feel like you do need them for a while; there is nothing wrong with that. RuPaul Charles (drag queen and supermodel of the world) has been seeing his therapist for over 20 years (as mentioned in his podcast “What’s the Tee? with Michelle Visage”).
3. Don’t let others put you down for seeking help
There is nothing that makes me madder than when people “don’t believe” in therapy. Just because therapy might not be for you, doesn’t mean you should put others down for something that might be bettering them. I always recommend being confident in the fact that you see a therapist. It has always been the way I have approached those situations.
4. You don’t have to go and sit in front of someone for therapy
There are many online resources nowadays. The YouTuber by the name Kati Morton is a licensed therapist that makes videos twice a week on her channel discussing different mental health topics. There is also a new app called “TalkSpace,” which offers online therapy at an affordable price, and you never have to leave your house.
Now start putting yourself first in 2018 and remember it gets better!