Growing up, I have never heard anything positive or encouraging about therapy. There is this stigma, that therapy is only for people with mental disorders or people on the brink of divorce. I have noticed that people are often ashamed of admitting they go to therapy or think something must be wrong with them in order to go. I am here to tell you that therapy is normal! Therapy is okay! I believe everyone should go to therapy at least once, and here is why.
Nobody’s life is perfect, and if someone tells you it is, they are lying! We all go through trials that shape and define who we are. But, who is to say we have to go through those hardships on our own? Seeking professional help when going through things as simple as school stress or a breakup isn’t something weak of you to do. Asking for help when you need it is taking ownership of your life. Life isn’t easy and you do not have to go through it on your own.
Being a college student can be fun and exciting but it can also be emotionally draining and oh so stressful. Research shows that nearly one in five university students are affected with anxiety or depression, some who are not seeking help because of social stigmas. Read that again. I know that exams and homework are often a priority for a college student but your mental health should ALWAYS go before that. Stress can negatively affect your physical wellbeing if you do not know how to manage it. Not dealing with your emotions can leave your body feeling weak, exhausted and could spark some other issues. Seeking help when you need it is essential for your mental health.
I personally see a therapist and I’m not ashamed to say it. I am proud to admit that sometimes I am not okay. And that is fine. Although I have AMAZING friends who are happy to listen to me rant about my life, sometimes that is not enough. Having a professionally trained adult listen to my issues that affect me without judgment is one of the most refreshing things I have endured. My therapist has given me some amazing advice and techniques to help me cope with whatever it is I’m feeling at that moment. I have friends who also see therapists for a list of different reasons that do not involve mental disorders either. Being able to talk to someone from an outside perspective can oftentimes feel better because they are not emotionally involved in your life nor do they know anyone in it. Therapy is not for everyone, but you will never know unless you give it a try!
Therapy is like having a diary with a lock on it. Sessions are always confidential, unless you show signs of being a harm to yourself or others, or if child abuse and elderly abuse is suspected. If cost is a worry, all UCSD students who are registered and have paid their fees, are provided with FREE counseling with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) on campus. You can choose between private sessions, group sessions or even workshops! According to the UCSD CAPS website, common issues students bring to CAPS are (but not limited to):
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Depression and suicidal thoughts
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Stress and anxiety
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Poor academic performance and study skills
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Roommate conflicts
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Homesickness and difficulty adjusting to the university
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Disappointing social relationships
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Alcohol and other substance use and abuse
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Difficulty in love relationships
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Loneliness and isolation
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Eating and body image problems
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Depression and suicidal thoughts
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Cultural identity
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Sexuality and sexual identity
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Family conflict
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Grief and loss
If you can relate to any of these issues, please consider seeking out for help. Maybe you need recurring sessions or just need to go in once because you had a bad day, but taking the initiative to help yourself is the first step to feeling better!
Find Support at:
CAPS support line (24 hours) : (858) 534-3755
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7: (800) 273-8255
Crisis Text Line 24/7: Text “HOME” to 741741
Emergencies: 911