When we are ill, we seek doctors to medicate us. When we are injured, we seek doctors to heal us. Even when we are healthy, we arrange check-ups. We take extra precautions when it comes to maintaining our physical well-being, yet when we are faced with emotional or mental discomfort, society has taught us to keep our sentiments confined.
Somewhere along the way, a negative social stigma toward therapy has made us feel embarrassed, ashamed, and self-conscious of seeking professional help.
It has been ingrained in us to believe people who seek professional counseling are "crazy." They "have problems." They "need help." The reality of it is... life makes us all feel unhinged at times. No one is free of issues and everyone can benefit from a little guidance and direction.
Here are five reasons society should stop shaming therapy-goers and start commending them:
1. It's more common than you think.
There is a misconception that people who go to therapy must be struggling with a serious psychological diagnosis. According to Psychology Today, many therapy-goers are individuals simply dealing with difficult life transitions, such as "health challenges, relocation, work stress, and family issues." Likewise, the Center for Collegiate Mental Health's study found that over 100,000 college students nationwide seek mental health treatment. It is okay, and common, to seek help navigating the challenges of everyday life.
2. It takes strength to show weakness.
It's easy to neglect emotions, to bottle them up, slide them under the rug, and go through the mundane motions of daily life. It's difficult to do what therapy-goers do-- to acknowledge insecurities and fears in an effort to gain a better understanding of oneself. However, it is through such honesty that individuals learn to see vulnerability as a catalyst for growth.
3. Reflection is important.
In our increasingly fast-paced lives, it can be difficult to find time to slow down and unwind. Therapy provides people an opportunity to talk openly about anything and everything. It is an open, safe space to part the clouds of confusion, stress, and uncertainty, or celebrate the good happenings and small victories. It is refreshing to step back from our rapid lives and digest everything around us.
4. Having a non-biased listener is beneficial.
Not only are therapists held to confidentiality, but they are third-party listeners who engage with open ears and without judgement. They are not your family member, your friend, or your professor. In an odd sense, they are your vacuum. You can walk in their office, dump out all your thoughts, and they will suction in up, but keep it in the confines of their cleaning machine. At the end of your session, you can leave with a refreshed view of things, while resting assured your emotions are safe with them.
5. It holds you accountable for your words and actions.
One of the most valuable parts of therapy is having somebody who checks up on you every week. At each session, therapists talk about discussions from weeks past, whether it be about a specific person or situation. In doing so, they help you analyze whether or not you've made the changes or implemented the actions you said you would. This consistent self-examination helps individuals monitor their lifestyle and growth.
So come on, let's get rid of the stigma toward therapy.
