Our mental health is just as important as our physical health, but we struggle to make it a
priority. We need good mental health because it affects how you feel and it shapes your
thoughts and behaviors. It also influences our decision-making process and the way we cope
with stress/life issues and how we relate to others.
All of us have experienced periods when we have felt down or worried from time to time or
experienced periods of sadness over life events. Most of the time these feelings fade away
causing our mood to improve. However, sometimes these sad, anxious feelings can stick and
last for long periods of time despite trying to manage them. This is a sign that you need to see a therapist who can help you get control of your life.
Here are some other possible signs letting you know that it’s time to seek a therapist:
Extended period of depression: Do you feel anxious, sad irritable, and generally despondent all the time? Are you experiencing sleep issues, low energy, fatigue, difficulty concentrating on a task, or feelings of hopelessness?
Unable to cope with daily life: Are you consistently feeling overwhelmed by any task. that comes your way no matter how small? Have you noticed that you are no longer able to function at the same level you use too with no reasonable explanation for this sudden change (like a death of a loved one or loss of a job)?
Can’t let go of a traumatic event: Are you suffering from flashbacks, nightmares, fear, and severe anxiety about an event that will just not go away? It the event just playing over and over again in your thoughts?
Feelings of guilt and remorse: Are there actions or behaviors in the past that you regret and can’t seem to let go of them? Do you feel overwhelming shame?
Sense of insecurity and low self-esteem: Do feel like you have no confidence in yourself and your abilities? Do you feel inferior to others?
You can’t manage your anger: Your irritability if out of control and you lash out at people verbally or physically for the simplest of things? Are people walking on eggshells around you?
These are some signs that you should be seeking therapy. These signs don’t mean that you are “crazy”, but that you are struggling and need some guidance. As you know, mental health
issues are no different from physical ailments. You would go to the doctor if you had the flu or a rash, so why not for feelings of prolonged stress, anxiety, or depression?
If any of this rings true, please reach out to myself or to another therapist to schedule a session today. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can be feeling and coping better.
