Have recent times been too challenging for you? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you feeling alone or feeling like you have no one to reach out to? Have you been thinking about therapy?
Here are 10 signs that indicate that professional help may be beneficial for you.
You’re Not Alone
The reality is, you wouldn’t be the first, nor the last person to go to therapy. In fact, most people could use the help of a therapist. In recent years, mental health has become a less taboo subject. Social media has helped lift the stigma associated with seeking help from a credentialed clinical counsellor or therapist.
Therapists are trained professionals. They offer more than just an outside perspective. Therapists are active listeners with the skill set to help you deal with issues that are preventing you from living a full and meaningful life. In a confidential and non-judgemental setting, you will have the opportunity to explore and deal with what is not working in your life right now.
You Catastrophize
When someone catastrophizes, they assume the worst in a situation. Being in constant anxiety and jumping to conclusions without proof creates a downward spiral of overthinking. Such overthinking distorts your reality. If this sounds like you, it may be a sign you could use the help of a professional.
You Dоn’t Sleep
Insomnia and inconsistent sleeping patterns or an inability to get into REM sleep are usually due to mental health issues. That is to say, you may be stressed at work, have relationship problems, or your overthinking that thing you said to your new friend last week at lunch. Whatever the case may be, sleep is fundamental to your physical and mental health.
You Have a Bad Relationship With Food
When going through a tough time, a particularly anxious period or depression, your relationship with food can change. Your eating habits can be highly indicative of your current emotional state. Some people over-eat and binge, while others lose their appetite. A nutrient-dense diet is vital in helping your body and brain function at its best.
You Have a Low Self-Image
As humans, we can be highly critical of ourselves. We judge the way we look, the actions we take, and our relationships with others. This can be a double-edged sword. Instead of thinking “I should have passed my test”, “I don’t look good enough in this dress” or “I shouldn’t be having chocolate”, try to cut yourself some slack. Begin with using ‘could” instead of “should” . A therapist can help you work on your self-image towards greater self-acceptance.
You Find it Difficult to Socialize
No matter how introverted you are, you still have a basic need to connect with others. The key to this is connecting with the right people, those that boost you up rather than the ones that drain your energy. If you are struggling to form good relationships, a therapist may be able to can help you plan the steps to come out of your shell.
You Feel Empty
A constant feeling of emptiness or indifference needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. These feelings create a downward spiral and drag you down. If you find yourself feeling lost, confused, or lacking direction, a licensed registered clinical counsellor or therapist can help you.
You Can’t Shake the Feeling
Everyone goes through difficult periods in life, and sometimes it can take a while to get over the emotional turmoil associated with these tough times. However, if the negative feelings persist and interfere with you living your life, seek help.
Your Sex Drive Has Changed
Just like your relationship with food, your relationship with sex is a good indicator of how you’re doing emotionally. You may find yourself disinterested in sex or, your sex drive has increased. Either change is a way to cope and avoid the issue(s) that need to be addressed.
You Use Work as a Means of Escapism
Workaholism can not only affect you, but it can impact your loved ones too. If you find yourself working overtime on a regular basis not being able to enjoy your free time in a way that benefits your health and relaxes you, it could be time to speak to a therapist.
Your Stress is Manifesting in Your Body
Aches, pains, rashes, and other unexplained symptoms oftentimes manifest in the body due to large amounts of unreleased stress. In most cases, these symptoms are psycho-somatic. That is, they are manifesting physically because the psychological issue has not been addressed. If your stress, anxiety, depression and/or consistently low mood are having negative effects on your physical health, it’s time to speak to a registered clinical counsellor or clinical therapist.
If you are struggling to take control of your mental health, a Vancouver clinical counsellor can help you get on the path to being mentally and emotionally healthy while pursuing a balanced life.
