There are many reasons people seek therapy. Some individuals and families may have experienced a traumatic event in the past and feel as if they need someone to talk to. Other people may be struggling with mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. Recognizing when to seek therapy is very important as you may need professional care to navigate chronic issues and begin the healing process. This blog post will discuss seven telltale signs that may indicate when it is a good idea to talk to a therapist in your area.
1. You Have An Anger Problem
Anger is a normal emotional reaction to injustice, failure, and other negative factors. It can motivate you to resolve a problem (rather than put up with it) and relieve your stress. When anger is expressed in an appropriate way, it can help you to develop into a healthy adult. Studies show it can even lead to better outcomes in business negotiations.
Despite these benefits, there are people who have a problem with anger. These individuals are unable to control their anger and often express it in inappropriate ways. If you have an anger problem, it may push your loved ones away from you over time and may even cause you to do or say hurtful things you later regret. However, talking to a therapist can help you to uncover the reason for your anger and develop healthy ways you can keep your anger under control.
2. You Have An Addiction
If you struggle with an addiction such as alcoholism, drug abuse, or gambling, it is strongly recommended that you seek professional help. A clear sign of addiction is if you are dependent on a substance or specific behavior to get through the day. Rehab facilities provide medical supervision and use top class drug testing equipment from https://drugtestcity.com/ to help you manage withdrawal symptoms. They also offer professional counseling around the clock to help you to improve your mental and emotional health.
3. Your Thoughts Are Out Of Control
Another sign that it’s time to see a therapist is when your thoughts begin running wild and you cannot keep them under control. This may happen for a variety of reasons. For example, a person who survived a traumatic event such as car crash or a violent attack may experience recurring flashbacks about the event. There are also individuals who struggle with negative thinking and have serious thoughts about self-harm.
Recurring thoughts that are emotionally charged, unwanted, and intrusive can interfere with your ability to function on a day-to-day basis. People who experience these thoughts unexpectedly may suddenly freeze in place due to overwhelming feelings of fear that come flooding back to them. These symptoms can have serious consequences if you are driving a car, walking across a busy street, operating heavy machinery, or doing any activity that requires careful attention and a fast reaction time. Thankfully, therapists are trained to help you unpack and address these emotionally charged memories and feelings so that you can move forward with your life.
4. You Can’t Sleep
Many people have experienced insomnia at least once in their life. If you find yourself unable to get a good night’s rest more often than not, you may need to seek therapy. Insomnia and other sleep-related issues are common symptoms of stress as well as many mental and emotional conditions. Talk to a therapist in your area so that you can find out why you are unable to sleep and how you can remedy the situation in a healthy way.
5. You Feel Anxious All The Time
Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health issue in the United States. While it is normal to feel anxious from time to time, a person who is diagnosed with anxiety has strong feelings of worry or dread that seem out of proportion with what is happening in reality. Common symptoms of anxiety include hypervigilance, edginess, difficulty focusing, difficulty sleeping, and irritability. If left unchecked, anxiety can disrupt a person’s ability to function at work, school, or home.
If you have been experiencing strong feelings of worry for several months, you may have an anxiety issue. However, talking to a licensed therapist can help. Although anxiety is a very common issue, it is also highly treatable. A combination of talk therapy and medication has helped many people to get their anxiety under control and enjoy life.
6. You’ve Been Sad For Months
Sadness is a normal response to loss, failure, guilt, and pain. However, if you have been experiencing deep sadness for several months, you may have a diagnosable mental health condition called depression. People with depression often struggle with negative thinking and lose interest in the things they usually love. Depression can hinder your ability to function daily, destroy your self-confidence and lower your overall quality of life.
The good news is that depression is also very treatable. If you have depression and seek professional care, your therapist may introduce you to a therapeutic approach called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps people to challenge their negative thoughts and feelings and adopt a more realistic positive mindset. If you have severe depression you may benefit from a combination of talk therapy and antidepressant medication.
7. You’re Not Sure How to Improve Your Relationship
If you want to improve your relationship but are not sure what to do, talking to a therapist can help. A licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) is trained to help families and intimate partners to identify and treat their personal and interpersonal issues. Common factors that may put a strain on your relationship include money problems, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, depression, anxiety, and a lack of communication. An LMFT can help you to identify the specific concerns that are impacting your relationship and show you effective ways to resolve them.
