Whenever I go to therapy, I always get really hot. I constantly drink water to calm myself down when a conversation gets heavy, but also to cool down. It’s almost as if my body is pushing every emotion out of me in this safe space (maybe it’s also the nerves).
I first started going to therapy when I started college after a big blowout with my family. My anxiety was physically manifesting and my stress and increased immensely, so I decided to go to therapy. It was difficult at first to tell someone everything that is going wrong with your life, but knowing that my therapist is not going to judge me and will be open to everything I say helped.
I went several times during my first year of college, and I also got tested for ADHD, and my quality of life has gone up. Since getting diagnosed and going to therapy, I feel like I am better equipped to handle all that life throws at me and that I will always have the ability to open up to a therapist to get better.
My first appointment of the year was today, which I scheduled because of family stress, and it was exactly what I needed. It was an emotional rollercoaster, as always, but I left on a high note and felt empowered that I can handle my stressors and can work towards a healthy future. Therapy does not scare me as much anymore, but it does help that I have been seeing the same psychologist for the entire time I have been going to the HCC at DU.
If you think you might need therapy or are interested in going to therapy, do it. It can be intimidating to share so much with a stranger, but it is worth it. If, at first, you do not find someone who you are comfortable with, just keep trying until you get it right. It might be difficult to find a therapist who understands your cultural backgrounds or familial experiences, but I think that there are people out there willing to help and throw you a lifeline if you ask for it.
Finding a therapist is like finding a best friend, that you pay. It’s a difficult and lengthy process, but I believe it is worth enduring to create more peace in your life.