By Sarah Fader
I can’t count how many people I’ve had this conversation with and asked this question to: have you considered going to therapy? It becomes apparent when someone is in mental or emotional distress. I have empathy for my friends and loved ones who are in mental health crises or even experiencing low-level depression and anxiety.Maybe they are having trouble identifying their triggers. Regardless of the severity of the mental health issues, what matters is this: is that person functioning?
If someone is having trouble functioning, then they need to make a change.
If someone is having trouble functioning, then they need to make a change. And let’s be clear: their mental health issues are real. They need to change their medication regime and find something that better allows them to live their best life. In addition medications, an extremely important component of getting emotionally healthy is going to therapy or counseling. This could be in person therapy or online counseling. I’ve heard people complain about the cost of therapy or counseling. If you don’t have insurance (which many of us don’t) then there’s the first barrier to getting the help you need.
There are so many people who have mental health issues that need help.
Counseling can be expensive and that’s unfortunate because there are so many people who have mental health issues that need help. They are suffering a great deal and could benefit from talking to someone who is impartial. So, what is the answer? There are actually places to get free counseling out there.
There are clinics that will work with you.
The point is that there is no excuse to get help. There are clinics that will work with you, even if you don’t have any money at all if you have Medicaid or government insurance. If you don’t have insurance, they might be able to help you get health insurance through the government in order to receive the services that you need to get healthy.
The first step to getting mentally and emotionally healthy is to take an action: find a therapist. Whether that’s a resource like Psychology Today or online therapy sites, there are places to find help and they don’t have to cost a million dollars.
Opening up to a stranger is hard, but it can also be freeing.
I understand your hesitancy. Maybe part of the issue is cost, but maybe there’s also an emotional barrier to getting therapeutic help. Perhaps you’ve never seen a therapist and you’re scared of opening yourself up and sharing your feelings with someone you don’t know well. Let’s push that aside and give therapy a chance. Embrace the fact that you will likely be nervous. Opening up to a stranger is hard, but it can also be freeing. This person is trained to help others see their problems and work through them in a real way.
So what are you waiting for? Take an action and find a therapist!
