Thanks to awareness, many people are now seeking therapy as a safe outlet for mental issues they’re struggling with.
No longer something to be ashamed of, it gets to a point in life where just talking to friends and family is not enough and you need the help of a professional.
The truth is we will all go through some pain at one point in our lives and if we don’t deal with those emotions, they may spiral down to feelings of anxiety, stress, depression and a slew of other illnesses.
Sure, some level of stress is normal and we all have bad days but at what point do you need to ask for help?
To keep the guessing game at bay here are some signs you should see a therapist.
1.You have been advised to
If something is wrong, chances are those around you have noticed and have said something to you. Listen and stop fighting the obvious.
Just because you can’t see certain changes in your life or behavior it doesn’t mean you are fine. You are likely in denial.
Pay attention to what your loved ones are saying. They are worried about you and think you need to get some help.
2.You have gone through some trauma
Although we all deal with pain differently, there are certain signs that show you need professional help. Pain from death of a loved one, job loss or even a miscarriage can impair your daily functioning as the grief grips you.
If you find yourself unable to move on after some time and you can’t seem to put those painful experiences behind you, you need therapy.
You might also find yourself avoiding friends and totally pulling away from things you used to enjoy which isn’t normal.
3.Excess or little sleep
If you find yourself sleeping more than usual or finding it difficult to fall asleep there could be something wrong. While it is normal to have sleeping problems during periods of stress, if the issue persists more than two weeks it is cause for alarm.
Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can lead to exhaustion and emotional distress which can affect your mental health negatively.
4.Mood swings
Yes, not everyone is as emotional but we all have days when we feel off as we go through the rough patches life throws our way.
If you find yourself unable to control your emotions like getting angry easily or you find yourself crying for no reason, you need to talk to someone before it blows up.
Bottling up those emotions can escalate to thoughts of suicide and causing yourself harm.
5.Destructive behavior
When you find yourself thinking about substances such as alcohol, drugs or even food to numb your feelings instead of addressing them, it is a sure sign of a deeper problem.
If you can’t relax or calm down without reaching for a beer every night to cope with what you’re feeling and going through, that is a red flag.
Talking to a professional will help you deal with difficult emotions and situations to unearth underlying issues that may be causing your triggers.
6.Low productivity
Chances are your work and school output will suffer if you’re going through a mental or emotional issue. Negative thoughts could be distracting and causing you to lack any motivation.
This will only get worse as fears of losing your job or thoughts of flanking school start to haunt you. Before you know it, you’re getting negative feedback from your manager or professor.