Have you ever thought of seeking therapy for managing your mental health? In a world that often glorifies toughness and resilience, it's easy to overlook the importance of mental health. We tend to brush off our struggles, attributing them to stress or just a bad day. But there comes a point when those struggles start to impact our daily lives, relationships, and overall well-being. Taking professional advice might be the best course of action at that point.
This week in our 'Mental Health Matters' series, we spoke to our expert Snigdha Samantray, Clinical Psychologist, Mave Health, who explained when to seek therapy for mental health.
How Do You Know If You Need Therapy For Mental Health?
Persistent Sadness or Anxiety
“Feeling sad or anxious occasionally is normal, but when these feelings linger for weeks or months without relief, it could be a sign of a more significant issue”, said Samantray. If you find yourself constantly overwhelmed by feelings of sadness, worry, or fear, therapy could help you uncover the root cause and develop coping strategies.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), difficulty controlling emotions is a significant symptom in individuals with mood or anxiety disorders.
Physical Symptoms with No Medical Explanation
Chronic headaches, breathlessness, stomach ache, or other physical symptoms that persist despite medical evaluation could be manifestations of underlying mental health issues. Therapy can help you explore the mind-body connection and address any psychological factors contributing to physical discomfort.
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Difficulty Coping with Stress
"Life is full of stressors, but if you find it increasingly challenging to cope with everyday stressors, such as work deadlines, family conflicts, or financial pressures, therapy can provide you with tools to manage stress more effectively", added Samantray.
Changes in Sleep or Appetite
Significant changes in sleeping or eating patterns can be indicators of underlying mental health issues. Whether it's insomnia, oversleeping, loss of appetite, or overeating, these changes may signal the need for professional support.
Difficulty Concentrating or Making Decisions
Mental health struggles can impair cognitive function, making it challenging to concentrate, remember things, or make decisions. If you find yourself constantly feeling foggy-headed or indecisive, therapy can help improve your mental clarity and decision-making abilities.
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Substance Abuse
Turning to alcohol, drugs, or other substances as a means of coping with emotional pain is a red flag for underlying mental health issues. Therapy can assist in addressing the root causes of substance abuse and developing healthier coping mechanisms.
Social Withdrawal
“If you find yourself withdrawing from social activities that you once enjoyed or avoiding interactions with friends and family, it could be a sign of depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns. Therapy can help you address these feelings of isolation and reconnect with your support network”, highlighted Samantray.
Traumatic Experiences
If you've experienced a traumatic event, such as abuse, assault, or the sudden loss of a loved one, therapy can help you process the trauma and work through the associated emotional pain.
Interference with Daily Functioning
Ultimately, if your mental health struggles are interfering with your ability to function in your daily life-whether it's at work, school, or in your relationships-it's a clear sign that professional help is warranted.
"Additionally, experiencing intense and overwhelming emotions, such as anger outbursts, frequent crying, or emotional numbness, along with persistent mood swings, irritability, frustration, or prolonged periods of low mood over two weeks, might indicate the need for professional support", said Samantray.
Message From The Expert
Samantray highlighted, “It's essential to remember that seeking therapy doesn't mean you're weak or flawed. It takes courage and strength to acknowledge when you need support and take steps to prioritise your mental health.
She added, “It's an incorrect notion when people think that mental health therapy is only for the ones diagnosed with mental health disorders. Mental health therapy is for everyone. It's an excellent preemptive measure to build the resilience of the mind against life's odds and prepare yourself for adversities. I have so many clients coming to me for therapy who do not have any diagnosed mental health disorders but want to find better solutions to their life problems and make better choices and decisions.”
Bottomline
Samantray concluded, "Therapy offers a safe and non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings, gain insight into your behaviours, and learn valuable coping skills that can help you live a more fulfilling life. If you resonate with any of the signs mentioned above, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. You don't have to navigate your struggles alone, and therapy can be the first step toward healing and growth."
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you are dealing with any mental health issues to get the necessary treatment.]