Historically, there has been a stigma surrounding mental health treatment in our society. Approximately 1 in 5 adults experience some form of mental illness, such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and trauma. However, only 45-65% of these individuals receive mental health services to treat their symptoms. This stigma often prevents people from seeking treatment because it implies a person is weak and inferior. The truth is therapy can be a highly effective tool to help you deal with a wide range of symptoms and life stress!
Not only is therapy an effective treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, but it can also be a tool that facilitates self-growth, helps you navigate major life transitions, and learn strategies to manage life stressors. If you are still need some convincing, here are some reasons it may be helpful to give therapy a try:
1. YOU ARE EXPERIENCING HARMFUL THOUGHTS: In 2019, approximately 129 people died by suicide and 1.4 million people attempted suicide in the United States. Over 90% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition at the time of their death. Suicide and self-harm are often symptoms of mental health conditions that can be treated with therapy. If you are experiencing these thoughts you can also seek help from the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-8255.
2. YOU DON’T FEEL LIKE YOURSELF: Most people notice a change in their mood and behaviors when they are suffering from a mental health condition. You may experience feelings of sadness, anxiety, and irritability as well as changes in sleep or appetite. Mental health symptoms can make it difficult to complete normal tasks, develop or maintain healthy relationships, and participate in activities you enjoy. People may also turn to more risky behaviors, such as alcohol or substance abuse, to help them manage their symptoms. Research shows therapy provides long-term benefits in treating a wide range of mental health conditions and symptoms.
3. YOU ARE GOING THROUGH A MAJOR LIFE CHANGE: The one thing constant in life is change! Transitions come in many forms, including changes in relationships, job transitions, loss of a loved one, and moving. When you experience a major change in your life, you may not have the same level of support or the strategies you used to cope may not be effective. Therapy can help you process this transition and learn new skills to manage the change.
4. YOU ARE SEEKING PERSONAL GROWTH: We are humans which means we make mistakes and there is room for change. Therapy is an excellent opportunity for personal growth because you are the main topic in your sessions! Therapy can help you better understand your own patterns of behavior, learn skills for self-improvement, develop healthy relationships with loved ones, and increase your self-esteem and self-worth.
5. YOU JUST FEEL LIKE TALKING TO SOMEONE: We often seek preventative medical care, such as well visits and vaccines. Why should mental health care be any different? It is not necessary to suffer from a diagnosable mental health condition to seek treatment. Talking with a therapist may provide you with an objective perspective on your circumstances, a place to talk about your thoughts and feelings, and advice to better cope with whatever you are going through!
This article just highlights a few of the reasons people may benefit from mental health treatment. There are multiple other reasons therapy can be helpful. If you think you may benefit from talking with a therapist or counselor, give it a try! You can search for a therapist in your area through www.psychologytoday.com, obtaining a list of approved providers from your insurance company, and talking with your doctor about available mental health treatment. In the St. Louis area, you can visit our website www.gbhconsultants.com to find out more information about our services. There is so much more to gain than there is to lose! It’s time to end the stigma surrounding mental health!
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