Mental health issues affect millions of people worldwide. However, despite the prevalence of mental health disorders, seeking professional help for them is still viewed by many as a taboo topic.
Let's be real. Therapy can be scary. The idea of opening up to a stranger about our deepest fears and insecurities can be daunting. But as someone who has gone through therapy myself, I can tell you that it can be one of the most rewarding experiences you'll ever have.
The Stigma of Therapy
The stigma of therapy is a real thing.
There is often a sense of shame and embarrassment associated with seeking therapy, and many people are afraid of being judged or misunderstood. There are many reasons why people feel this way about seeking therapy. One of the primary reasons is the misconception that therapy is only for people with "serious" mental health problems. This belief can prevent people from seeking help for less severe issues, such as stress or anxiety.
Additionally, there is often a stigma associated with mental health issues themselves. Many people believe that mental health disorders are a sign of weakness, or that people with these conditions are "crazy" or "unstable." I used to worry that my friends, family members, or coworkers will view me differently if they know I was seeing a therapist. I was afraid of being judged or misunderstood.
These fears can cause a lot of people to keep their mental health struggles to themselves and avoid seeking help. It prevented me from seeking the help I needed to manage my mental health effectively.
Understanding the Shame
The shame that most people feel usually stems from what other people might think. They might worry about being judged or stigmatized or feel like they should be able to handle their problems on their own.
But the truth is, there's no shame in seeking help. Mental health struggles are a normal part of life, and there's nothing wrong with admitting that you need some extra support.
By acknowledging that I needed help and taking steps to get it, I was taking control of my mental health and working to improve my overall well-being.
Breaking the Stigma
Breaking the stigma around therapy starts with education.
We need to talk openly and honestly about mental health and encourage others to do the same. By sharing our own stories and experiences, we can help to normalize therapy and show others that it's okay to seek help. Start the conversation by sharing your experiences in our forum. We want to create a safe space where you can feel free to express your struggles or just share how you feel.
If you are not ready to share your own journey with others, you don't have to open up right away. Go at your own pace. You may be more comfortable just doing research on your own and that's okay. Look for websites and services offered by actual mental health professionals to guide you. You can also check out our external links and resources as a start.
I personally started off by browsing around my socials and finding people and communities that were experiencing the same things as me. I followed influencers that I thought were very informative and I gradually started seeking offline information. I would take flyers from clinics and the dentist's office and just about wherever that offered resources on mental health. I would attend seminars and webinars. I searched for therapists near me and checked their reviews. All of these little steps led to me gaining the courage to book an appointment with a therapist. And that was just the beginning.
The Benefits of Therapy
The benefits of therapy are many. Therapy can help you develop coping skills, improve your relationships, and gain a better understanding of yourself. It can also help you to break negative patterns of thought and behavior, and develop a more positive outlook on life. And the simple truth is that you deserve to feel better.
How to Find the Right Therapist
Finding the right therapist can be a daunting task, but it's important to take the time to find someone who you feel comfortable with.
There are many different types of therapy, so it's important to do your research and find a therapist who specializes in the issues you're dealing with. You can also ask for recommendations from friends or family members or check with your insurance provider to see which therapists are covered under your plan. If you don't feel like sharing with your family and friends right away, don't feel pressured to tell them. This journey is about you and your priority should be your own mental health and well-being.
You can also check your country's health department for mental health resources and services. We've compiled a list of external links and hotlines you can try. You may need to try several therapists before finding one who is a good fit for you, but don't give up!
Check out our article on how to find the right therapist here.
Seeking therapy is nothing to be ashamed of. It takes courage and strength to confront your issues head-on, and therapy provides a safe and confidential space to do just that. By breaking the stigma around therapy and encouraging others to seek help, we can create a more supportive and compassionate society. On a smaller, but just as significant scale, my going to therapy has made me understand myself better. It definitely wasn't a magical elixir that fixed all my problems, but it wasn't a waste of time. It made me feel better. And it was worth it.
So don't be afraid to take that first step. You'll be glad you did.
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