You may wonder if therapy is right for you. For many, it really helps with serious mental problems and getting through life stages. But in some cases you may need to attend groups or see a counselor first. So, here are some things to consider before booking in with a therapist.
You Struggle to Manage Emotions at Home
One of the most common reasons you might deal with stress and emotional issues is to lash out and become emotionally unstable. This means shouting at your family, being angry at the smallest things, and even becoming abusive in a relationship. Treatment can help you with these, as can counseling. But specific PTSD treatment for veterans and other people that have experienced extreme situations is proven effective for managing emotional stress at home.
Unhealthy Habits are Getting Worse
It is very common to engage in self-destructive behavior when you have experienced trauma. Commonly, these include smoking and drinking more, turning to drugs or some other addiction, and self-harm. Yet these can all escalate to the point where they affect those around you, such as your family. In this case, you will benefit from at least discussing some options with a trained therapist, as they can identify your problem areas and work through reducing harmful acts.
Therapy is Right for You If You Feel Hopeless
It’s normal to feel down sometimes, and everyone gets this from time to time. But you may need professional guidance if you have strong feelings of hopelessness and despair that go on for long periods and decrease your motivation. Most medical professionals recommend seeing someone if these persist for two weeks or more. And you should definitely seek help if these feelings are accompanied by things like weight loss or gain, self-harm, and suicidal feelings.
Fear and Worry Get in the Way of Work
Like feeling down now and then, most of us also go through periods of worry. This is usually in response to a big change in life, such as losing a job or uncertainty, like having enough money for energy and food. But you might need professional help if you experience feelings of extreme fear and worry to the point where it interferes with your life and work. For example, if you start missing work because of fears or your worries are causing dangers when trying to do your job.
There is No Joy in Your Hobbies and Interests
Escaping to a hobby or doing the things you are interested in are great ways to alleviate the feelings of depression and anxiety. But you could have a severe mental condition if you no longer feel fulfillment and joy from the things you love. These could be your hobbies. But it also includes spending time with your family. When these things that you love no longer make you feel better, then you could be experiencing a severe bout of depression that needs treatment.
Summary
Therapy is right for you if you have certain symptoms. These include strong outbursts of emotion, not feeling hope and shutting yourself away, and when you don’t enjoy things you love.
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