How Do I Know It's Time to See a Therapist? 6 Signs It's Time to Seek Help From a Professional
Have you been in limbo about whether or not to seek the help of a therapist? Check out these 6 signs to see if seeing a therapist could be the right move for you.
1. YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR PROBLEM/ISSUE/CONCERN
Maybe there is an unpleasant feeling, thought, or change in behavior that is unusual for you. Maybe you aren’t feeling like your normal self. Maybe you are having a harder time than usual dealing with a situation. These may be signs that it is time to speak with a therapist.
2. THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE AND HAS NOT RESOLVED
Perhaps the problem has gone from somewhat bearable to unbearable. Has it been months or even years since the problem has been going on and it doesn’t seem like there is any end in sight? Exploring how a therapist can help is a good step in the right direction
3. YOU HAVE TRIED TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM ON YOUR OWN WITH NO SUCCESS
You’ve tried it your way and nothing seems to help or maybe you don’t even know how to help yourself. Seeking the help of a therapist may be the next course of action.
4. YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY, SPOUSE, OR BOSS HAS EXPRESSED CONCERN
Had someone suggested that you get help with your issue? Or maybe someone has pointed out to you how sad and unmotivated you have seemed for a while. If others have noticed a “not so good” change in you it may be time to consider seeking professional help.
5. YOUR RELATIONSHIPS ARE STRAINED
Whenever there is strain or unhappiness in other areas of life, it can spill over into your relationships with others whether or not you are aware of it. Perhaps you are isolating. Maybe you have lost interest in your desire to intimate with your spouse or partner. Maybe you find that you are more quick tempered and irritable than usual. Issues that continue to linger that are not resolved could be significantly damaging to your relationships. Seeking the help of a therapist may help with preventing this.
6. YOU HAVE PICKED UP AN UNHEALTHY COPING STRATEGY SUCH AS EMOTIONAL EATING, EXCESSIVE DRINKING, OR THE USE OF DRUGS.
Have you noticed that you are drinking more than usual? When you start to feel stressed do you use food to make you feel better? Unhealthy coping strategies are unhealthy because they do not solve the problem and in fact they can lead to bigger issues. Sometimes it can take the help of a professional to identify coping strategies that are healthy and effective.
*If you or someone you know can relate to one or more of these signs it may be time to reach out for help. Taking the step to get help is not only brave but it is also commendable.