Breaking the Stigmas About Counseling
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Breaking the Stigmas About Counseling

It's okay to ask for help.

42
Breaking the Stigmas About Counseling

I was raised to be independent. I took it heart. And I'll admit that my biggest flaw, well one of them, is not asking for help, even when I need it the most.

Not going to counseling for two years did more harm. I refused to admit I needed to see a therapist. My mental health is far from perfect. With everything I've been going through, I tried to keep silent and just power through it.

But eventually it got out of control and I didn't recognize the person starring back at me in the mirror. There are stigmas out there about counseling, and I believed them. I was afraid those closest to me would see me as weak, vulnerable, and crazy. After going to sessions and thinking about everything that has happened, I've finally come to terms that those stigmas are far from the truth.

It takes such courage to lay down your arms and ask for help. To realize you can't do this alone anymore. There's no shame in it. You have to do what's best for your psychical and mental health. And if that means taking medication and/or seeing a therapist, then that's what you gotta do. Our society has to stop making us believe that these are shameful and shouldn't be discussed.

But it needs to be discussed. It needs to be talked about. The public, our society, they need to hear it. They need to understand it. That it's okay to take medication. It's okay to seek counseling. It's okay to need help.

My other biggest flaw is putting on this mask, this strong front while I'm out, whether it be classes, rehearsals, or even hanging out with friends. I didn't want anyone, not one soul, to know what was truly going on in my head. It took me the longest time to fully understand that my friends would not leave me because they found out I have emotions. They found out I'm only human. I was terrified people would label me crazy or insane and have me comitted. Then my mental illness would be made public.

But none of that ever happened. Because my friends, my chosen family, they're the best support system one could ever ask for.

My battle with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts is constant. And I'm still dealing with the loss of a loved one. So I go to counseling. It's something I need. I start my sessions again in August, when i return to school. And for once, I can't wait to talk to my counselor. Because I know they can help me become the person who I can recognize starring back at me in the mirror.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

56685
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36529
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958365
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

188892
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments