Wondering if therapy is right for you? You’re not alone! Nearly 30% of Americans have seen a therapist during the pandemic, with 47% of men reporting that the pandemic has caused them to be more willing to seek out mental health care than they have in the past.
If you’re at a point where you are feeling overwhelmed and concerned, then it’s good to start exploring your options. Sometimes we all need a bit of extra help, and you’ll most likely feel instant relief from taking positive steps forward and acknowledging how you feel.
As the old saying goes, “A problem shared, is a problem halved.”
Many people think that therapy is only for serious mental conditions. That our symptoms are something we can cope with, or we are going through a phase that will pass. These are often ways of ignoring our problems and not dealing with the situation.
It’s also common to receive and want admiration for coping and ‘getting through’ tough times. However, finding your way back to balance on your own will often take longer and feel more difficult than if you were to seek help.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, seeing a mental health professional might be needed:
According to the American Psychological Association, about 75% of people who participate in talk therapy experience some benefit. Therapy allows you to foster self-awareness and self-exploration within a safe environment. Working with a therapist can help you to:
Your psychological health is a major part of your overall well-being. And in today’s world with so many pressures, it pays to take care of your mind, just as you would take care of your body with a healthy diet and regular exercise.Therapy is an investment in yourself that can improve your quality of life and prevent the consequences of worsening mental health.
"Our emotions, thoughts, and things we do have a direct effect on our energy, productivity, and overall health," says Dr Lindsey Giller, a clinical psychologist in the Mood Disorders Center at Child Mind Institute, New York. "Taking care of your mental health strengthens your ability to cope with everyday stressors and handle challenges more effectively,"
Depression, anxiety, and stress have been proven to affect your physical health with side effects such as fatigue, insomnia, weight gain or loss, a weakened immune system, and more. Therapy can alleviate these symptoms by fixing the problem at the source - your mind.
A therapy session is a safe, non-judgmental place to express feelings and explore events or situations in your life that can be difficult to share with others. Many times, close friends or family members are not the ideal people to confide in, especially if they are connected to the situation. A therapist is a neutral third party that is trained to identify your needs and help you improve.
When you start working with a therapist, they will perform an evaluation of your history and any contributing factors that are adding to your current state. Together you will create a treatment plan so that you are supported and have a clear direction. They may identify one or more specific types of therapy that would best suit your situation.
Depending on what you and your therapist decide, your sessions can follow a specific, predetermined path, or they can simply explore everything that has come up since your last session. The most important thing is that YOU are in the driver’s seat. Your therapist is there to help you determine what is important to you and where you would like to go. They will keep you on track, help you deal with any hurdles that pop up, and check in periodically to see how you’re progressing towards your goals.
When you make the decision to take care of yourself by seeking therapy, you also take care of loved ones by providing an example of good psychological health. Someone you know may be considering therapy and may be more open to it because of your experience. The work you do in therapy will also enable you to connect with others better and “show up” to your personal relationships from a healthier place.
This is a very empowering way to see your act of self-care; by choosing to seek help, you can be the hero for others!
It’s important to put some thought and care into choosing your therapist. Research shows that the right fit is a factor in healing.
What is important to you? Would you be most comfortable with a certain gender? Do you need your therapist to be LGBTQ+ friendly? Would you like them to practice through the lens of your religion? Do you need someone specializing in PTSD, eating disorders, or childhood trauma?
Don’t be afraid to take your time and even have a few consultations to find the right fit. It’s vital that you talk to any potential therapist before committing to the process. You want to make sure that you feel comfortable, safe, and listened to. And if at any point in time you decide that the therapist you chose isn’t a good fit for you, be honest and let them know that you need help finding someone who is. You can also ask your friends or local online groups. Getting recommendations is a great way to quickly find a good fit!
If you live in California or Nevada, Medens Health offers affordable therapy with a diverse variety of compassionate therapists. We hold in-person appointments at our offices in Las Vegas, NV and Beverly Hills, CA, and offer virtual sessions to anyone in California or Nevada. We accept many insurance plans, and we also offer a sliding scale payment system based on income. If you’re interested, you can get started here or give us a call or text at (833) 624-5400.
If you live anywhere else in the US, you can search Psychology Today to find a therapist in your area and other useful information. Your primary care doctor can also refer you to a therapist or mental health center.
Call (833) 624-5400 or get started here to explore affordable therapy in California and Nevada with Medens Health!
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical or mental health. If you don’t currently have a therapist, we can connect you with one who is qualified to give you safe, professional, and ethical advice regarding your mental health.
If you or someone you are responsible for is experiencing a medical emergency, is considering harming themselves or others, or is otherwise in imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1 and/or take them to the nearest emergency room.
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