There's a lot of negative stigma surrounding going to see a therapist. You may think people will think you must be crazy, or you must have some serious problems if you're paying someone to listen to you talk. But I can say from experience that going to a therapist or psychiatrist is nothing to be ashamed of. It may not be for everyone, but it is certainly worth trying, in my opinion. If you have the means and ability to do so (many insurance plans will cover at least a few sessions, and some therapists' costs will be subsidized by other plans; some community clinics offer free therapy) here are the reasons why I believe you should.
1. Going to therapy is probably one of the bravest things you can do.
That's right. Because of all of the negative stigma I just mentioned, admitting to yourself that you may need help is the first step, and it is the first obstacle to battle. Recognizing that you may need assistance evaluating your life is essential to recovering or dealing with any problem you may have.
2. You probably already have other forms of therapy.
You're kidding yourself if you think you don't already do things to make you feel better. Exercise, spa days, reading, writing - those are all forms of therapy for anyone. Talking to someone will help you to recognize other ways that you can cope with negative feelings.
3. Tons of people see therapists.
Over 20% of Americans have seen therapists, and these include some of your favorite celebrities like Kim Kardashian , J.K. Rowling, and Jim Carrey .
4. You see doctors for other things, don't you?
No one would comment on your seeing a doctor for knee pain or a heart condition. So if you need to see a therapist to help you with emotional pain, there is no difference.
5. Therapy is not how it seems in the movies.
Betty Draper of Mad Men goes to see a therapist who she talks to and he says virtually nothing back. She lies down on a couch, facing away from him, and he even calls her husband to tell him what he thinks is wrong with her. This is not how therapy is today. Most therapists engage in practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, in which you address your thoughts and come up with ways to reevaluate your feelings. Your therapist encourages you to pursue and accomplish goals as well as to identify activities that make you happier.
6. You already talk to other people.
Most people talk to friends or family at some point in their lives when they're experiencing trouble. If we kept all of our problems to ourselves, we would be significantly impaired. Referring to a therapist is referring to an expert with the problems you might ordinarily share with your friends.
7. Tragedies happen, and you ought to be prepared.
Maybe it's morbid, but the truth is, tragedies will happen in your life. You will lose parents, maybe friends, and definitely family members. Whether or not this has happened to you yet, you might want to see a therapist to be prepared for overcoming negativity in your life.
8. You might be able to address problems you didn't know were problems.
Lots of people who have anxiety or other mental disorders may not realize they have these issues. Until they see a professional, they can't understand that the negative feelings they're having just aren't normal parts of living. Addressing these issues can help people to lead healthier, more satisfying lives.
9. Your relationships can get stronger.
Developing a relationship with a therapist helps you to analyze your other relationships and make them better. You will learn how to communicate your feelings in a way that makes sense to your friends, family, or your partner, and it can help you avoid fights that might happen if you didn't know how to talk about certain issues you're having.
10. You will probably perform better in other tasks.
Going to therapy and sorting through the issues that are taking up too much space in your mind can help you make room for other tasks. By addressing your anxieties and issues, you can quiet them, allowing yourself to focus on schoolwork and other activities.
11. You have nothing to lose.
If you think you might benefit from therapy but aren't sure, you can see a therapist once or twice. There's no commitment that needs to be made. You have nothing to lose, but so much to gain.
12. If you're still ashamed after all this, no one has to know.
You don't have to tell anyone you're going to therapy unless you're under a certain age (varying by state), in which case your parents have to know so they can give permission and pay your therapist. Otherwise, the therapist has to keep everything you say confidential, except for a few major exceptions (i.e. if you plan on physically harming yourself). You can get help without telling anyone.
