These days, everyone seems so focussed on health. There’s a constant buzz about healthy eating, exercise, and the benefits of everything from green smoothies to yoga. But with the exception of stress-management techniques, there seems to be a deafening silence about the importance of taking care of your mental health.
The antiquated attitude that says that if you have mental health issues, there’s something wrong with you, and you should be able to snap out of it yourself, still seems to be prevalent. You might even believe it yourself. To top it off, you have a host of “reasons” why you won’t see a therapist, even when you secretly know that you should give it a try. Need to strengthen your resolve and prioritize your mental health? Let’s clear those excuses away!
1. I Can’t Afford It
Did you know that when you have therapy, even online therapy, insurance is often willing to pay for that? Look for a provider who has partnered with your insurance company. Even if you don’t have particularly good insurance, you might find that online therapy is far more affordable than the in-office consultations available in your area. Plus, you can set appointments to suit your schedule and you can cut out travel time into the bargain.
2. Everyone Will Know I’m Seeing a Therapist
While some people will be kind and supportive when they hear you’re going for therapy, there may be people who think it’s funny to make snide remarks about it. If they do that to your face, what are they saying behind your back? The stigma of seeing a therapist may not be as big as you believe, but it nevertheless puts you off. Online therapy solves the problem. You may not even need time off work to attend your appointments. If you prefer talking in person, simply choose to be discreet about it.
3. I Don’t See How Talking About My Problems Can Help
“Talking therapies” really do work. It’s been proven many times over. A trained psychologist will know how to guide you through the conversation, and you should be as honest with your therapist as you would be with your medical doctor. Simply talking can help you to sort through and evaluate your own thoughts, and your therapist can guide you through a process that helps you to replace negative or destructive thoughts with positive, constructive ones.
4. I Felt Uncomfortable With My Previous Therapist
It’s possible that your previous therapist wasn’t a good match for you. It’s essential to have a therapist with whom you feel able to build a professional relationship as a counselor, and different counselors suit different people. If you didn’t like your previous therapist
5. I Don’t Want to Talk to a Stranger About My Issues
Sometimes, talking to a person who isn’t involved in your daily life and who doesn’t have any preconceived ideas about you really is the best way to go. Remember, listening to people is a psychologist’s job. A good therapist will know how to put you at ease and you’ll find it remarkably easy to open up. Just give it a try. You’ll find it liberating.
