How do you know when it’s time to start therapy?
First and foremost, the decision to start therapy, whether in-person or via online therapy, is highly personal. Sure, certain circumstances might mean that therapy can be incredibly beneficial to you, for example if you’re struggling with a mental illness like depression or anxiety, you’re in an unhappy relationship, or you’ve experienced a traumatic event.
But therapy can also be beneficial for anyone , at any point of their life.
The perception that therapy is only for when you are suffering from a serious mental disease is a myth.
Therapy is designed to help any and all individuals live happier, healthier and more productive lives. Essentially, if you want to start therapy or think you could find value in this process, that is reason enough.
6 Signs you should start therapy
That being said, there are some signs that it might be time for you to start therapy
1.You no longer enjoy things you used to love doing
If you don’t feel like participating in your favorite activities may be a sign of someone who is stuck in a rut, or it could be a sign of a deeper depression.
Therapy can help you assess the situation, figure out what is holding you back, and create a plan to move forward.
2. You feel sad, blue or down most of the time
This is often a red flag for depression, one of the most common mental health conditions. While occasional feelings of sadness are a normal part of being human,
it’s not normal for them to last for long periods of time. If other symptoms are present as well, such as poor concentration, sleep disturbances, low energy, and feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, depression is a very possible diagnosis. If left untreated, depression can cause significant problems in your life, which, in turn, feed the depression even more.
3. You’ve experienced a trauma
Those who have experienced a trauma that they haven’t fully recovered from can hugely benefit from face to face therapy or online therapy.
To start therapy allows a person to explore these painful experiences with someone who is experienced in hearing about these issues, in a confidential space that’s free of judgment.
A therapist can help the person develop new ways of thinking about the traumatic event as well as learn techniques for breaking the associations and the hold that the trauma has over them.
4. You’re spending too much time alone.
There’s nothing wrong with spending time alone. It’s good to spend time with your own thoughts and to learn how to be comfortable being alone, but too much alone time can be a bad thing.
How do you know if you’re spending too much time alone? Chances are, if you’re wondering if you’re spending too much time alone, you probably are. Seeing a counsellor or have a session of online therapy can help.
A counsellor can help you uncover why you’re spending so much time alone , and they can help you get back out there if you’re feeling nervous about leaving the house. The more you get out and the more connections you make with other people, the better you’ll feel.
5. You feel angry most of the time
Anger problems are one of the best reasons to go to therapy – because the anger seemingly comes out of nowhere.
You may be going along each day for a week smiling and loving life, then someone accidentally touches you and you explode. Sound familiar? You’re like, where did that come from? Extreme outbursts of anger may be a sign that not all is okay beneath the surface.
6. You are grieving
After the loss of a loved one, emotions can be confusing or may come in stages that we can’t sort out and understand fully. Grief therapy is a very common type of therapy that people go to. A specialist is patient and can help guide the grieving into a healthy direction rather than leading to self destruction and a deep depression.
Everybody can start therapy
Therapy is for everybody, especially for people interested in self-knowledge, personal growth, and in learning how to love, lead, and live to their fullest potential.
Face to face therapy or online therapy are for anyone, not just for those who are suffering. Even those of us who lead a normal life and feel pretty mentally healthy can benefit from having a mostly unbiased, professionally-trained, and experienced listening presence.
1.You’re ready to change.
If you’re disappointed with life and you know something needs to change, but you aren’t sure what, you should schedule an appointment with a therapist. They can help you uncover the source of your disappointment and take steps to change it. Whether it’s a career change, ending a stale relationship, or starting a new hobby, therapy can help you discover what you really want out of life.
These are just a few good reason to give therapy a try
2. You are looking for a greater self- awareness
If you want to understand yourself better, therapy is very useful. It can help you cultivate self-awareness and self-knowledge.
Therapy creates a space where we can observe our thoughts, emotions, behavioral habits, and relationship patterns in a calm and thoughtful way. It allows us to reflect on our deepest fears, insecurities, and on our highest hopes and dreams.
3. You want to to improve your life balance
Perhaps the greatest benefit to having therapy is achieving greater balance and harmony in life.
If you are aware that your life is unbalanced, if perhaps you are a workaholic, or alternately spend too much time at home, it’s reason enough to seek therapy.
4. You’ve always been curious.
Maybe things are mostly okay in your life but you’ve just always been so curious about what therapy would feel like, and you simply want to try it out. This is a great reason to start therapy!
5. You just feel like you need to talk to someone.
There’s nothing wrong with seeking professional help for any health issue, including mental health. If you have an inclination that you might need to speak with someone, do it. Therapy and online therapy is a perfectly normal ― and valuable ― experience that works to many people’s benefit.
Take the first step. Start Therapy!
Many people avoid getting the help they need because of concern about what others may think or their own negative views of psychological difficulties.
Don’t let stigma hold you back from seeking help. Speak to a loved one, your doctor or reach out to us.
Therapy is more than a treatment. It is a lifestyle choice, it is one of the many ways we cope with and understand emotions, change, stress, beliefs and relationships.
If you want to start online therapy and feel empowered to schedule an appointment after reading this list, consider working with a BAC counsellors. Our mental health professionals have the knowledge, skills, and experience to help you live a happier or healthier life. And they can’t wait to get started.