The reasons people seek professional help from a therapist are as varied as the people seeking help. From trying to cope with major mental illnesses to dealing with issues of trauma, anxiety, and PTSD, some people look to therapists for help in changing behaviors and for coping skills to make their lives easier. Therapists can offer resources and tools to untangle emotions and improve our overall quality of life that lead to peace of mind if we’re willing to put in the work. For four reasons why many people seek therapy and how it can help, read on.
1. Help for Ongoing Issues
Perhaps the best reason to begin seeing a therapist is for help with repeat negative behavioral patterns, sadness, or other undesirable emotions or situations. That is, if you’re unhappy with something in or about your life, a therapist can help you untangle the root of the problem and make different choices or see different results. They can help out with managing prescription drugs, substance abuse issues, family problems, and mental health diagnoses, too.
If you think you or someone you love could benefit from the help of a therapist, start with checking out WithTherapy. This handy online tool can put you in touch with a therapist who can work with you to make changes in your life that will lead to your overall happiness and peace of mind.
2. Support for Survivors
Many people work with a therapist to get past trauma and abuse. Maybe you’re a survivor of sexual abuse and need a place to talk but are worried about your own safety or confidentiality. Whether your perpetrator has been reported or not, and no matter what the severity of your abuse or how long ago it was, you can still get help from a licensed professional.
Therapists, psychologists, counselors, and psychiatrists will work with you to untangle feelings of fear, shame, low self-esteem, and anxiety caused by your abuse. They will teach you coping skills and help you to identify triggers that may cause anxiety and help you to feel better overall.
For those feeling alone, another way to get help is to join a support group for survivors of sexual assault, harassment, or other crimes on the basis of sex. People in these groups know the pain and fear of hostile work environments and crimes around sexual orientation or assault. In working with a group, you’ll learn to share your story and feel less alone. A therapist, community mental health center, or your local clinic or hospital can point you in the right direction. You can also call Planned Parenthood, your local women’s shelter, domestic violence groups, or 211 in the United States for confidential resources and support group information. The RAINN hotline is also open 24 hours a day.
3. Psychotherapy in Combination with Medications
For those who use prescription medications to manage their mental illnesses or issues, talk therapy is often a requirement of having prescriptions filled. Maybe your general practitioner prescribed you an anxiety medication for an anxiety disorder but will not refill your prescription with the pharmacist like Walgreens or CVS until you’ve established a relationship with a psychotherapist. It’s not uncommon for a doctor or psychiatrist to offer mental health medications in conjunction with online or in person therapy sessions. If you believe that you’ll benefit from a prescription, it’s a good idea to work with a therapist from the beginning. They can share your personal information with your doctor and help you get the medications you need.
If you do need a prescription for your mental well-being, be sure to do a quick Google search for a top prescription discount card, or ask your pharmacist about drug discount programs. You might be surprised about the prescription savings out there for mental health medications. Finding the best prices on drugs will help give you peace of mind.
4. Group Supports
Some people seek therapy for the benefit of group support. Group therapy for caregivers of cancer patients, people struggling with substance abuse, and those with chronic depression issues are all popular with people looking for a better quality of life. A therapist can refer you to a support group that might even change your life.
At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong reason to seek professional help. Whether you’re struggling with an addiction, at your job or in your relationship, or just feel socially isolated, it’s good to reach out when you need it. Doing so will put you on track to feeling happier and more like yourself again soon.
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