People seek professional mental health services for a variety of reasons. While the decision to hire a counselor or psychologist is a personal one, it’s important to know if you’re ready to see a licensed therapist before making that call for an initial appointment. If you think you might be ready for a trained professional to listen to your problems and help you with tools to change areas of concern in your life, read on to find out if you’re ready to see a counselor.
Do you feel hopeless and in need of ideas or new perspectives?
Many people are struggling with feelings of social isolation and hopelessness in the middle of a global pandemic. While it’s natural to feel down during these unconventional times, there’s a difference between feeling blue and clinical depression. If you’re having trouble with daily tasks, considering self-harm behaviors, or can’t seem to find motivation, it might be time to sign up for traditional therapy through online therapy chat.
Licensed mental health professionals can work with you to address whatever you’re going through. You don’t have to have a prior mental health issue to benefit from therapy sessions with an online therapist, nor do you have to leave your home. You might prefer in-person sessions to an online therapy platform, and that’s okay too. The best way to know what might work for you is to reach out to a professional counselor and ask what’s available in your area.
Are your problems too big to tackle alone?
We are only human. No one person can handle all life throws at us alone. There are times when everyone needs a little extra emotional support. If you’re beginning to feel like you can’t manage your daily life or emotions alone, think about giving a therapy office a call and asking for a live chat session with a licensed psychologist.
The reality is that the Covid-19 pandemic has been hard on everyone and while you may feel some discomfort about using a therapy platform or talking to a stranger about your problems, you might also be surprised by how receptive a counselor is to your woes. Maybe you’ve been stuck mostly at home for nearly a year now and can hardly remember the benefits of a great-fitting bras or what it’s like to get dressed up to go to dinner. Therapists are people, too, and can probably relate. If you’re open to letting them help you, you might be glad to know you aren’t alone.
Is your support system small or nonresistant?
Social isolation is hard for anyone. Social distancing restrictions and health concerns have made it harder than ever to feel connected. In some cases, current events have even caused a fracture in natural support systems. If you’re feeling alone and like you have no one to talk to, a therapist could be the right answer to your mental health concerns. The great news is that you don’t even have to go to a therapist’s office to get help with your mental health condition or to feel supported. Whether your issue is relationship problems or simply that loneliness has triggered depression, a therapist can help you to build a new support system and give you tools to manage your sadness or anxiety.
At the end of the day, only you can decide when you’re ready to reach out to an online therapist, an in-person therapist, or even a clinical social worker for help with your mental health. Whether you decide to work with a therapist through a platform like Talkspace or prefer the personal feel of in-person therapy, reaching out for help will make a big difference in your overall mental and physical well-being. If you believe you’re ready for help, call a local counseling center or clinic near you and ask about the best way to set up the first appointment with a mental health professional.