When you hear the word 'therapy', what do you think of? Some people think of think of support groups and attempted suicide. Others think of being put on a couch and being asked, "Well how does that make you feel?" The reality is that most people treat therapy as being synonymous with weakness. "What do you mean you can't deal with your own problems?" "What are you, crazy?"
I am here to tell you that seeking therapy is not a show of weakness and that it's okay to not be okay.
As a therapist in community mental health I can say first hand that the strongest people I know aren't the ones who hide behind their defenses of bravado and false confidence but are instead the ones who find the strength to come into my office every week to find peace within themselves. One of the hardest things to do in this life is to admit to having a problem, and sometimes it's even harder to take the next steps towards making them better. And there is nothing wrong with that.
One thing that I always told myself and my clients is that every small step in anything is still progress. Steps in improvement don't need to be broad to be considered progress. You're still moving forward. Even if you've never been to therapy before it will never hurt to try something new. I always advocate for trying different things because the worst that can happen is that it doesn't work out. Being open to new experiences opens the door even wider for so much more in life, but you need to first be able to take that initial step. It's okay to not have everything in your life together and need help.
Going to see a therapist is no more shameful than going to see a doctor for a cold. There are so many people in this world that forget that the brain is an organ, too, and can malfunction just as much as your heart or your lungs could. Your mental health is just as important, so don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise.
I know that walking into a stranger's office can be terrifying when you're there to talk about your emotions for the first time. As therapists we are activists for your well-being. We will work to the best of out ability to help you through whatever it is you might be going through, no matter what it may be. But most importantly, therapists are people, too. We understand what you're going through because we've all been there. And I promise that someone has always got your back when you need it. All you have to do is ask.
