We often get asked why does someone need to see a therapist? The answer can vary greatly depending on what that person is facing. Therapy can help improve symptoms of many mental health conditions which, a large section of people living in the US experiences. How many? Glad you asked!
Statistics from National Alliance on Mental Illness or (NAMI): taken from this Website
· 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, in 2020 this represents (52.9 million people).
· 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year, in 2020 this represents (14.2 million people)
· 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year, in 2016 this represents (7.7 million people) which we have know this statistic has grown drastically since the pandemic
· 6.7% of U.S. adults experienced a co-occurring substance use disorder and mental illness in 2020 (17 million people)
· 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
· Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34
Out of all these millions of people needing help to manage and overcome their mental health issues, how many get the help they need? Around 46% of people with mental issues get help they need. Typically, the delay between beginning of mental health symptoms and getting help is 11 years.
We know the prevalence of mental health issues and delay in getting treatment is a barrie for many. Yet, when any type of mental health or emotional concern affects daily life and function, therapy may be recommended.
Therapy can help you learn about what you’re feeling, why you might be feeling it, and how to cope. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health here are some possible signs you or they should seek a therapist.
1. Feeling Overwhelmed. You might feel like that to do list never seems to end! You have too many things to do or too many issues to cope with. You might feel like you can’t rest or even breathe. Stress and being overwhelmed can lead to serious physical and psychological health concerns.
2. Unreasonable amount of rage, anger, or resentment. Everyone feels anger at times. Even passing rage isn’t necessarily harmful. Seeking support to deal with these feelings may be a good idea when they don’t pass, are extreme compared to the situation, or if they lead you to take violent or potentially harmful actions.
3. Increased or ongoing Social withdrawal. Many people feel better when they’re able to spend at least some time alone. Introverted people may need even more time alone than others. But if you feel distressed around others or fear being with other people, therapy can help you understand and deal with these feelings.
4. Agoraphobia. People with agoraphobia fear being in places where they might experience panic attacks or become trapped. Some people may become unable to leave their houses. This prevents people from going out and living life.
5. Having Anxious or intrusive thoughts. It’s normal to worry about things from time to time, but when worry takes up a significant part of your day or causes physical symptoms, therapy can help you deal with it.
6. Experiencing Fatigue. This physical symptom often results from or accompanies mental health issues. It can indicate depression. Fatigue can cause you to sleep more than usual or have trouble getting out of bed in the morning. It can cause us to underperform at work, home, or with family.
7. Increase or pervasive Apathy. Losing interest in usual activities, the world around you, or life in general can indicate mental health issues like depression or anxiety. feeling stuck or trapped by the feeling of “meh.”
8. Feeling a sense of Hopelessness. Losing hope or motivation, or feeling as if you have no future, can indicate depression or another mental health condition. Feeling hopeless from time to time, especially after a period of difficulty, isn’t uncommon. But when it persists, it may lead to thoughts of suicide.
So, what’s stopping you from asking for help?
As we know from the statistic above that it may take some time before you decide you are ready for therapy (11 years on average). You may feel like these symptoms are not “that bad” or maybe these symptoms will just go away if you can withstand them. Or maybe you think that even going to therapy is a sign of weakness or you don’t want to become dependent on someone else to help you through your problems. We must break free from the life-restricting and limiting ideas that demand we be super-persons who are above needing help from others. This line of reasoning although popular in todays society leads to unhealthy relationships and lots of negativity with yourself.
If you’re ready to try something different and seek help we are here because we genuinely believe that you matter. The more people who understand this and learn how to see this in themselves and others, grow out of there fear and pain. This creates a better world for us all to live in and a path for healing for you.
Here are a few of the benefits of therapy:
· You will learn more about yourself. Therapists listen to your story and help you make connections. They might offer guidance or recommendations if you feel lost. Therapy can empower you to act on your own.
· You’re more likely to have better health. Research supports a link between mind and body wellness. Untreated mental health issues can impact physical wellness. On the other hand, people in good emotional health may be more able to deal with physical health issues that arise.
· Therapy can help you achieve your goals. If you aren’t sure of what your goals are, therapy can help you clarify them and set realistic steps to meet them.
· Therapy can help you have more fulfilling relationships. Whether you’re single or in a relationship, therapy can help you address difficulties relating to others, such as insecurity in relationships or difficulty trusting your partners and help you learn what’s in your control and what’s not.
· Therapy can lead to improvement in all areas of life. If you feel like something is hindering you from living life as you envision it, therapy can help you address this. When you aren’t sure what’s keeping you from making change, therapy can help you discover the answer.
Click the button above to see what types of counseling we provide and get started on your path to freedom today.
The information provided here is not intended to be a substitute for professional health and mental health care or consultation. Individuals who believe they may require or benefit from treatment should seek the advice of a psychologist or other licensed mental health professional.
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