You've probably heard about how people these days are "romanticizing mental illness." Well, I could see how you could think that but the bigger issue we have is the stigma surrounding therapy. Going to therapy or counseling is still awkward to talk about, embarrassing to admit, and to be avoided at all costs. Some people don't feel this way and that is great. But some people do, and that's why I want to write about it.

Although mental illness is romanticized and many people claim they have depression or anxiety without actually being diagnosed, people rarely seek treatment for it. Even people who have been diagnosed often feel the need to power through and handle it by themselves in order to seem strong. Working alone isn't always the answer. It's okay to ask for help.

Therapy is not something to be embarrassed about. Many counselors recommend that everyone go to a therapy session at least once in their lives just to have the experience. Sure, you have friends you confide in but you still sensor yourself to some extent and worry about what they think of you. You don't have to worry about that in a therapy session. Your counselor has no reason to judge you, and she's probably heard worse than whatever you tell her about. You can tell her anything you can think of and she just wants you to talk more.

Counselors are also more trustworthy than your best friend because they are legally bound to keep your secrets. Pretty cool, right? They will only talk about your session to your parents or others if she thinks you want to hurt yourself or other people. She is there to help you and only you. She will help you and that could be what you need. If it's not what you needed then I'm proud of you for trying.

Your first counselor might not be your perfect counselor. She has a job but she's not a robot. She has a personality and an opinion and maybe her advice isn't what you wanted to here. Maybe you and your first counselor just don't click. And that's okay. It's like trying a new medication, you might have to try a few before you get the one that works for you.

I'm just trying to tell you that it's okay to go to therapy. It's okay to ask for help. It's okay if you don't like it. It's okay if you go once and never go back. At least you tried. If you think you might have a mental illness that's been described on countless social media outlets, go see someone and talk about it, If you've been diagnosed with a mental illness, go talk to someone about that. Going to therapy does not mean you're broken. Trying a new thing makes you strong for trying and even stronger for succeeding.