This is a question that I often hear from people and my answer is always the same—if you’re thinking about it, then you need it.
Chances are if you’re thinking about therapy, something inside you is giving you a little nudge. Think about it. Do you ever find yourself randomly wondering if you need to get a cavity filled or make an appointment with your primary care physician without a pre-existing concern? No, chances are you don’t think of those services until something feels “off”.
I am a firm believer that therapy should be regular part of everyone’s health care in the same manner as we push teeth cleanings every six months, physicals once a year, and regular eye exams.
Mental Health is Important for Overall Health
Our mental health and wellness is integral to our overall health, yet somehow it is viewed as irrelevant to how we move in the world. Part of this is because of stigma associated with mental health. We’re seeing more people discuss mental health openly, but there’s still a lot of shame attached to seeking therapy or having a mental illness.
The more we talk about mental health concerns, the more we reduce the stigma and shame attached to it. The belief that asking for help is a sign of weakness results in many people experiencing psychological distress and suffering alone unnecessarily.
My goal is to reduce the shame and stigma attached to mental illness by normalizing conversations around mental wellness and emotional well-being and increasing people’s comfort in seeking help.
Stigma Survives in Silence
As long as we keep our pain, our discomfort, our mistakes hidden, we give credence to the faulty belief that we should be ashamed of these things. Being open about our challenges, not only helps us move closer to a space of healing, it also signals to others around us that it is okay for them to do the same.
Access is another barrier to mental health treatment. Unfortunately, many in the U.S. are under- or uninsured and do not have access to providers. Issues like transportation, flexible hours of appointments, and childcare can impact a person’s ability to see a therapist. Additionally, for many Black, indigenous, and other persons of color, the inability to find a therapist with a shared racial/ethnic background prevents them from getting the help they need.
Thankfully, the internet is helping close this gap with social media pages dedicated to amplifying mental health resources, directories of therapists for Black and Latinx folks, as well as directories that include mental health providers that offer free or reduced rates based on income.
So again, when someone asks me, “How do I know if I need therapy?” my response will always be: If you’re asking me about it, you probably could benefit from it. Give yourself the gift of wellbeing by taking care of your mental health. Your body will thank you for it.