It is estimated that more than 40 million Americans suffer from some form of mental illness. And while it’s true that the public’s acceptance of these illnesses is on the rise, we are still fighting the world’s stigmas of mental health everyday. In dealing with a mental illness, it is tough to find strength in the world around you, and you may feel lonely. It may be difficult to find an unbiased person in your life that you trust with your deepest thoughts. Therapy is a great way to help understand what is going on inside of your head, and proves that there is someone there for you, that knows how to help in a way that’s most beneficial for you.
Almost all universities have counseling services, so why are we so reluctant to use them? Many schools don’t even advertise that this is an option for their students, making it hard for them to even get the help they need. Universities inabilities to have an open conversation about mental health and its healing are contributing to the stigma.
I was unaware that my university even offered counseling services. And up until the second semester of my sophomore year, I had been dealing with my anxiety and depression alone. It wasn’t until a friend of mine told me that I should try out the school’s free therapy services, that I took the first step to get better. Walking into the counseling center was one of the most nerve-racking experiences I’ve ever had. I was worried that people that I know would see me walking in there and think that I am mentally unstable. I was worried my problems were not deep enough for therapy, that I was being dramatic. And I was worried that I wouldn’t even know what to say to the therapist. Ultimately, none of that mattered to me after my first session. I felt valid, I felt heard, and more importantly, I finally started to feel good again.
The reason why therapy is so helpful is that there are no strings attached, no judgement involved and you can be completely honest with yourself. Moreover, it helps to know that you are not alone in these problems; many people are experiencing similar pains and worries, and they are getting help and growing through the experience of therapy.
Getting help, making sure we are mentally and emotionally stable, and bettering ourselves is important to us as human beings. Therapy isn’t something to be ashamed of, or something to keep hidden. It is something to be proud of, something you should feel brave in doing. Because not only will you take the first steps in acknowledging that it may help you, you will also make it easier for so many people to understand that this is normal. We all know that we are capable of taking care of ourselves physically, so what do you say we start doing the same for our mental health.