May is Mental Health Awareness month, and in this day and age, mental health is becoming less of a taboo subject. Giving individuals outlets and help they need to overcome whatever mental illnesses or challenges they are facing has become more widely accepted and discussed. However, it still seems like the idea of therapy continues to carry around an unfavorable reputation.
I debated writing and posting this over the past few weeks, and it's really nerve-wracking to make such a personal experience and choice so public. I don't often discuss my journey with therapy, because I don't like the ideas that are associated with it, and what others might think of me. But, in order for therapy to be normalized, people need to be brave enough to share their stories with others and educate the public on what therapy is actually like. These are, of course, my own opinions and experiences, but therapy may not work for everyone, and that's okay, too.
Therapy is one of those things that is used in the media to portray someone who is severely mentally unstable and may be used as a derogatory term towards those people who are deemed unstable. These portrayals are doing society and therapists a severe disservice. Many people that go to therapy have not been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or some other form of mental illness, and are simply stressed and need a way to address and express their frustrations.
When I first went to therapy around four years ago, I was so apprehensive because of these negative stereotypes. I was anxiety-ridden the entire way there, and I got into an argument with my mom because I didn't want to be forced to talk to a complete stranger about things that I usually keep very private.
Part of what makes therapy effective and calming is finding the right therapist. The first therapist I went to, needless to say, did not work out for me. Her office was almost completely gray and white, and she was one of the blandest people I've ever spoken to. Our conversation felt like an interview, and I was so uncomfortable the entire time. After that initial experience, my mom recommended I try out someone new. I couldn't shake the initial image of the first woman from my mind and I completely rejected the idea. The first session, I was reluctant to speak and I sat there awkwardly, not wanting to give in and talk to this new woman. For the first few sessions, I would completely freak out before going because I was so anxious about the whole concept.
After some time went by, she became much easier to talk to. For the first few sessions, she came to my house, which made it much easier for me to let go of my anxieties and open up because I was in my safe space. I've been to her office since then, as I became more comfortable.
What I've learned about therapy after going through it myself is that it's really not about someone trying to find out what's "wrong" with you, because there's nothing wrong with you. Emotions are what make us human. Everyone experiences them, and sometimes they can be very overwhelming and hard to deal with. Therapists are just people to talk to and get advice on the things that are giving you the most trouble in your life.
It doesn't even have to be a super regular thing. I don't have a scheduled weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly time to sit down with my therapist, but I just give her a call when I feel like I'm overwhelmed. Therapy doesn't have to be a major commitment or lifestyle change if you don't want it to be.
For me, even though I don't attend sessions on a regular basis, my therapist has given me so many tools to help me deal with my anxieties and emotions on my own. I see her when I need her, and it's very reassuring to know that there's a person I can call for help if I need to.
Therapy can be a life-changing experience for anyone, whether they've been diagnosed with a mental illness or not. I've seen people speak to a therapist after moving to a new city, transferring schools, going off to college, and after a loss, and come out so much happier and more carefree than they were before. Why should something that can help so many people be regarded with such distaste? The more we speak up about mental health, the more normalized it will become. We see doctors when our bodies are in poor health, why can't we see a therapist when our minds are suffering? And why are we scared to admit it when we do? We should be proud of the steps we are taking to better our own lives.
Going to therapy is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength and resilience. Be the person who speaks up about your own experiences with mental health. I promise, you'll help so many people along the way.