Looking back, I’ve needed help with my mental health for years. However, I was convinced that you had to be “crazy” to go to therapy…but that’s not the case at all. Ever since starting therapy about a year ago, I’ve been able to deal with my problems in a more effective way. Sure, I need support in recovering from past issues, so it makes sense that therapy would be good for me. But I feel that everyone, even those that seem and feel “normal” could benefit from a bit of therapy here and there. Here are just a few reasons why everyone should see a therapist:
1) It provides an objective view of what you’re working through
It’s literally impossible to remove yourself from your own situation and look at it from a different point of view. This is where a therapist comes in handy; a therapist can listen to your side of the story while also developing a third person, objective understanding of the situation. This allows your therapist to give you advice that not only helps you but the situation itself.
2) It helps you to understand your own mind
It’s amazing how much we don’t know about our very own minds. But I’ve noticed that therapy has helped me to grow into a more introspective person and to further understand how my mind works. This allows me to find the roots and reasons for why I perform certain behaviors and to be able to better cope with them.
3) It can act as a source of “me time”
In this day and age, we don’t make nearly enough time for ourselves. Therapy forces me to have some “me time,” while also working through my problems in a healthy way. Therapy always makes me feel better, especially on those days where I can’t seem to catch a break!
4) You develop stronger coping mechanisms
Going to therapy has brought me to further understanding myself and realizing what works and does not work for me. I’ve learned how to identify my triggers and to cope with them in a healthy way, rather than in a self-destructive way.
5) It can help you break down unhealthy behaviors that you don’t even know you have
Like I’ve said, it’s surprising how much we don’t know about ourselves. A therapist can help you identify and deal with behaviors that you didn’t even realize you had. Overall, isn’t it important to understand ourselves and why we do the things that we do?So go to therapy! It’s okay to admit to having mental illness or having things you need help with. Don’t let the stigma stop you; in fact, let’s break that bitch into pieces! To my Wellsians, the medical center offers counseling services for free, so it’s definitely worth a shot!