There is a misconception that comes with having a mental illness. Many people (who don't have one themselves) often say, "Don't be too prideful for help" or "You need to get some help" as if getting help is as easy as walking into a doctors office and walking out just fine.
But here's what most people don't know when it comes to "getting help"
Now I have depression and anxiety so my experience may be different than others... but here's how "easy" it is.
When it came time to find a counselor, it's not like going to the grocery store and picking out your favorite cookies.
1. There are different theories a counselor may use in order to help you treat or cope with your disorder.
-Psychodynamic/ Psychoanalysis: This theory is based on the practice of analyzing past relationships and focusing on traumatic childhood experiences. By analyzing these situations the counselor may begin to see the relationship it has had on your current life and begin the healing process of dealing with it.
-Behavioral: This theory is based on the fact that behavior is learned. A counselor uses this theory in order to change unwanted or damaging behaviors by using behavior modification techniques through positive or negative reinforcement.
-Cognitive: This theory focuses on how thinking can change peoples feelings and behaviors. This is more centered around a patient's current situation rather than their past.
I personally respond better to cognitive. But you have to be able to know yourself and your situation in order to try an approach that is best suited for you.
2. You will not mesh with every counselor you try!
Every time I have tried to see a counselor I have had to go to at least two before I find one that I can really connect with and talk to. That's not to say that every counselor is bad or that they did something wrong, but it's just like sometimes you aren't friends with everyone. It's not that they do something wrong it's just that you don't connect with them and get along with them like you do your best friends. And you should be able to find a counselor that you can talk to like they are your best friend or your parents. Someone you can open up to. Just because you go see a counselor does not mean that you have to continue to see them. This is about you and your needs. You need someone that can cater to those and really help you.
I have been lucky enough to find a counselor that is perfect for me. Don't lose hope if you haven't found one. There is one for you!
3. Going to see a counselor can get expensive.
Especially depending on if you have insurance or not. Usually, when you begin to see a counselor they may want to see you every week for the first month. Well, that can be anywhere between $50-$200 (depending on if you're insured) every week. And then after that, your counselor may just ask for every other week or monthly. But still, that is money that you may not have, or you may not be able to go as often as you NEED because you can't afford it.
On the bright side, it is worth every penny. Don't ever assume that seeing your counselor is a waste of time or money because even though you may not think that it is helping you immediately you will begin to see changes in your day to day routine that would not have happened without you going to talk to someone.
After finally getting the help that I need I would HIGHLY recommend to anyone that may even be contemplating if they need to talk to someone to just go and do it. It is so much better to be safe than sorry because this is your mental wellbeing we are talking about. And whether you realize that is as important as it really is, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT. Please for those of you who need to take that step and get help. Please, please do.
But for those of you who keep pushing for someone to get help, I really hope this opens your eyes to some of the obstacles they may be going through. Because when all you want is help but you keep reaching little roadblocks and feel like you are making no progress, it can be very heartbreaking for us with mental illness. Be patient with us and don't be afraid to keep us on the right path to keep persevering.
Stay tuned for part 2...
