How You Know It’s Time to See a Therapist

Therapy is for everyone and yes, that includes you.

If I could do it all over again, I would have seen a therapist for the first time about seven years ago.

My first therapy appointment wasn’t until January of 2021.

Career and school plights have always been the most obvious indicator of my mental health woes. I constantly battle feelings of dissatisfaction, lack of purpose, fulfillment, and long-sustaining interest.

Thus, my engagement slips. I become bored, and through boredom comes a lack of motivation. My mind goes everywhere but towards work (or school), and a cascading wave of negative emotions take hold.

If I could do it all over again, I would have seen a therapist for the first time about seven years ago…

But it took me six additional years and compounding strife for me to finally make the call, and I want to make sure you don’t make the same mistake.

Therapy isn’t for “crazy” people

If you, like me, grew up in a family where therapists were called “shrinks,” it’s tough to pick up the phone and call when you need help.

This sentiment may have you convinced that you aren’t remotely close to needing a therapist. Therapists are for crazy people. I’m not a crazy person.

But therapy isn’t for the crazy. Therapy is for those who recognize that they need help, professional help.

It’s for those who never want to come close to being labeled a “crazy person,” even if therapy in and of itself still earns therapy goers that label.

Here’s when you know it’s time to see a therapist

Taking the first step to schedule a therapy appointment is the hardest part.

This is when you’re forced to succumb to the stigmas surrounding mental health and acknowledge the fact that you need help.

If you’re struggling to determine if you should see a therapist, here are some clues as to when it’s time to make the call.

• If you’re actively wondering if you need to see a therapist.
• When your closest family and friends suggest that you should try seeing a therapist.
• If you keep making the same mistakes that negatively impact you and those around you.
• If you can’t seem to “shake” persistent negative emotions.
• If you struggle to “understand” yourself and why you do the things you do.

Even if only one of the above applies to you, chances are high that you’re already long overdue for a mental health checkup.

Neglecting this notion risks prolonged strife and potential harm, something that could be avoidable when you accept therapeutic help.

The consequences of delaying therapy aren’t worth it

I delayed therapy by at least six years(!) and suffered the consequences.

Here’s an abbreviated list of the consequences I suffered by doing so.

I postponed an eventual ADHD diagnosis, ultimately delaying treatment for multiple years.

I fell out of love with my first career opportunity and repeated the same cycle with five other employers over the next six years.

I nearly scared away my now wife due to my untreated ADHD symptoms and the problems they cause when left unchecked.

I suffered from increasing levels of anxiety which hampered my wellbeing.

I allowed ADHD related migraines to persist for years when I could have found relief by way of ADHD medications.

I delayed the understanding of myself for far too long, allowing myself to wallow in a lost and frustrated state.

Can you relate to my experience? Do you have internal feelings of strife and repetitious issues that follow you no matter where you go?

If so, you’re experiencing the consequences of not seeking therapy.

Therapy will not necessarily solve all of your “problems,” but it will provide relief and strategies as to how you can be the best version of yourself.

Accepting anything less, especially when there’s an accessible solution, is ignorant at best and dangerous at worst.

I’m here to tell you that you’re better than that. You’re better than accepting anything less.

Therapy isn’t forever

Two months ago my therapist attempted to cut me loose. She suggested that I had come so far since our first meeting a year prior and I was ready to meet on a maintenance-only basis.

I declined her offer.

Reason being: I knew I had one more season to work through, quite literally the rest of winter.

The winter months in Pennsylvania bring out the worst in me. Regardless of my therapeutic treatment, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) has a way of griping me until winter gives way to spring.

My job was also suddenly on the rocks due to internal changes, and I knew cutting therapy at that moment would lead to more problems.

However, now that spring is here and my job has stabilized, I’m ready to take my therapist up on her offer. I’m ready to step forward in life with confidence and direction.

I share this because therapy is not meant to last forever. Like a cast for a broken leg, therapy is a temporary intervention that is meant to heal you of your mental health injuries.

Even if complete healing is not possible, therapy can help you be your best self, something that’s nearly impossible to realize on your own.

Give yourself a chance to realize your best self

I still have a long ways to go, but without therapy I’d still be floundering in my own plight. Therapy has given me the opportunity to realize who I really am and who I can become.

Understanding yourself is powerful.

If you relate to my story but have yet to give therapy a try, I implore you to take the plunge.

Therapy isn’t simply about spewing what comes to mind for an hour each week. It’s about discovering your true self and learning the strategies you can use to become a better you.

With how stressful and chaotic our world is, any opportunity to heal from past traumas, confront unknown diagnoses, or work on better understanding what makes you tick should be welcomed.

You don’t need to go through your challenges alone. You also don’t have to succumb to the unfair stigmas surrounding mental health. Your wellbeing is worth more than unjust societal shame.

Though my current therapy journey may be coming to a close, that doesn’t mean I’m through with therapy forever. I’ll find myself needing counseling again down the road, but I won’t wait so long to seek help next time around.

Again, if my storied struck a chord with you, I hope you take the plunge. Your mental health is worth it. Your future is worth it.

You’re worth it.

Don’t be afraid to realize your best self.

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