How To Know If You Need Therapy

Introduction

Have you ever felt you needed to talk to someone, a therapist when you were going through a low phase in your life? You might have thought about it but were unsure if it is essential to take therapy. I often encounter clients (individuals) who might have decided to wait for some more time, try and deal on their own, or be unsure if that problem will require professional help!

We face challenges or difficult times every now and then in our life. Knowing when you need professional help will benefit you in better dealing with your distress. Remember you can take therapy for any reason or problem you are going through, however, I have focused on the most common signs/ reasons one should take therapy.

Most common signs

1. Changes in mood – You have difficulty dealing with your emotions. If you have been observing yourself to be constantly worried, crying to yourself, or if your mood is affecting your daily functioning and the interpersonal relationship it is essential that you talk to a therapist.

2. Decreased interest – Another sign that suggests you might need therapy is when you observe there is a general decline in your interest. You might have avoided activities/ leisure once you were interested or have been avoiding social situations.

3. Feeling stressed – Stress is inevitable. However, if you find yourself having difficulty in dealing with stressors, it is important to seek professional help. Your therapist will guide you with techniques to combat your stress efficiently.

4. Changes in sleep and appetite – Have you been having difficulty falling asleep or sleeping more than usual? Eating a lot or you don’t feel hungry at all? Poor sleep and appetite can be a symptom of mental health problems and it has to be addressed at the earliest possible.

5. Improve self-awareness – Do you feel unsure about who you are as a person? Understanding yourself better can enable you to change unhelpful behavioral patterns or increase your capacity for self-compassion. A therapist would help in improving your understanding of yourself, identifying self-limiting beliefs, and addressing them.

6. Conflicts in the relationship – Many triggers can strain a relationship. There are multiple factors like adjustment problems, communication, conflict or emotional distress, and difficulty in setting boundaries that could hinder relationships. A therapist can support you in identifying relationship-related issues and provide you with the skills and resources you need to establish and sustain healthy relationships with your loved ones.

7. Life transition – If you are going through a major life transition like moving to college, getting married, a job change, or moving to a different city it can create distress. Therapy can help you in building adaptive coping skills to deal with major life transitions.

8. Traumatic experiences – If you have experienced tragedy/ trauma, it could affect your daily functioning and interpersonal relationships. It can affect your physical health too. It can shake your core as a person. A therapist will help you process your trauma and overcome them effectively.

9. Unhealthy habits – If you observe your unhealthy habits/ rituals are becoming problematic. If your unhealthy habits are affecting your physical/ psychological or social functioning, it is important you seek professional help.

10. Nothing else worked – Despite taking measures to actively address the problem area if you still don’t see an active change, you should consider finding a therapist.