We all experience periods of stress, sadness, grief, and aggravation. When you are feeling a little bit off, it can be hard to know whether it is time to seek professional help about the problem. In fact, one in five American adults suffer from some form of mental illness, and are unable to detect the signs. Here are some of the signs that one should see a therapist, and begin some self-care.
1. Everything you feel is extreme
As humans it is extremely natural to get angry and sad but the question is how often and how intense is it? Does it impair the way you function? Feeling overwhelmed with anger or sadness on a regular basis could indicate a hidden issue. If your life begins to feel restrained because, you are avoiding these hidden issues it is time for you to see someone.
2. You’ve suffered a trauma and you can’t seem to stop thinking about it
The pain of a death in the family, a breakup or loss of a job is enough to require counseling. Grief from a family loss can impair you daily function, and cause you to withdraw from your friends. If you find that you are not engaging in your life or those around you have noticed that you’re pulling away, you may want to speak to someone.
3. You have unexplained and recurrent headaches, stomach-aches or a rundown immune system
If we are emotionally upset, it can affect our bodies. Stress alone can embody itself in the form of a wide range of ailments. Unusual muscle spasms or nick pain can be signs of stress or emotional distress.
4. You’re using a substance to cope
If you find yourself drinking or using drugs more often or in greater quantities it could be a sign that you are trying to numb the feelings that should be addressed.
5. Your relationships are strained
Are you having trouble communicating how you really feel? Are you feeling unhappy during interactions with loved ones on a regular basis? You might need family therapy.
Seeing a therapist is not something to be ashamed of or to even feel bad about. We all go through things and we all need self-care and someone to speak to from time to time.