breaking the stigma
The first time I realized I had a mental illness *gasp* I had a full-blown panic attack (although I didn’t know what that was yet, or that I had those). A lonely pre-teen armed with anxiety and a keyboard, I turned to my most trusted source for advice – Yahoo! Answers.
I asked the nameless void of the internet what would happen to me: “Dear internet, I just found out I have a mental illness. Does this mean I’ll never live a normal life? Should I tell my mom? Will she ship me off to a mental institution? (I’m 12 btw).”
Yes, I know, that’s kind of hilarious. And also super sad.
Thankfully, the internet was a much nicer place back then. With the advice of some thoughtful strangers, I was able to open up to my mom about my struggles, and she booked my first therapy appointment shortly after. We really didn’t have the money, and insurance coverage for mental health wasn’t great back then, but luckily my therapist was able to accept payments on a sliding scale and we made it work.
I’m lucky that I had a parent who was open to the idea of therapy and getting me help, but I know that isn’t always the case. Even at age 12, I somehow had the idea in my head that having a mental illness meant I would be shipped off to a white-walled psych ward, never to be seen in polite society again.
The stigma towards mental health has come a long way since my adolescence, but these changes take a long time to set in to the mainstream culture. Although we might be able to talk openly about mental health with our friends and family for the most part, would you call in sick to work tomorrow and tell your boss that you need a mental health day? Or would you lie and say you had a cold instead?
Therapy can be incredibly helpful, but it starts with breaking down the barriers that prevent people from seeking help. Normalizing therapy and removing the stigma associated with mental health is crucial for creating a healthier world.
why go to therapy?
Therapy isn’t just for people with diagnosed mental illnesses, either. It’s for anyone who wants to improve their overall well-being. We all carry baggage from our past and present experiences that can weigh us down, and therapy provides a safe space to process and work through those emotions. Through therapy, we can learn valuable coping skills and gain a stronger sense of self-awareness, leading to better decision-making and healthier relationships.
Therapy can benefit everyone, especially our parents, who may have grown up in a time where mental health wasn’t even a topic of discussion. Their upbringing may have instilled certain beliefs in them that they carry with them today, making it difficult for them to seek help if they need it. Going to therapy can help break down those walls of shame or stigma they may carry, creating a ripple effect that could potentially change generations to come.
I know that therapy can be expensive, especially if you don’t have the best insurance. But, every time I reluctantly pay my therapist, I think about what a privilege it is to live in a time and culture where there are hundreds of therapists accessible and readily available on a search engine. I think of my dad who was an immigrant from a very conservative culture, who didn’t have access to the kind of help he needed, and I feel grateful that I have the means and the power to heal from my past.
Additionally, therapy can be an invaluable tool improve communication and relationships. We all have family members whom we love but may not always get along with or understand. Therapy can provide a space for families to come together and work on building healthier communication and relationships. Having a third-party to mediate conflict can help dissect the patterns that lead to repeated fights and miscommunication. Some of us were never modeled how to have healthy conflict, and so we repeat these toxic patterns with our most cherished loved ones; therapy can help you break that cycle.
In times of crisis, therapy can be a life-saver. The pandemic has brought about unprecedented levels of depression, stress, and anxiety in people across the world. Therapy has become an essential tool for many to manage their mental health during this time. Having a licensed professional to talk to can provide a sense of relief and validation that friends and family may not be able to provide.
Even if you’re not having a crisis, therapy can be a sort of “insurance policy” for your wellness and resilience. It can also teach you how to form healthier attachments and build stronger bonds with the people you love. Working through your insecurities, triggers, potential trauma, and limiting beliefs in therapy can free you up to live your life to its fullest extent.
how to seek help
Finding a therapist can be challenging, especially when you’re struggling. It’s important to find a therapist who specializes in the kind of care that you need, accepts your insurance if you have it, and who you feel comfortable opening up to. Luckily, with virtual therapy platforms like BetterHelp and SonderMind, this has never been easier.
These platforms connect you with licensed therapists who can provide you with the care you need from the comfort of your own home. You can browse through different therapists and read their profiles to find the right fit for you.
Another way to find a therapist is to ask for referrals from trusted friends and family members. You can also consult with your primary care physician or search for therapists in your area through online directories like Psychology Today.
It’s important to schedule an initial consultation with a therapist to see if they are a good fit for you. During this session, you can discuss their approach to therapy, your treatment goals, and any questions or concerns you may have. If you have specific mental health concerns, like a diagnosed mental illness, I’d recommend asking the therapist if they have experience helping people with your particular condition. This can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
When looking for a therapist, remember that it’s okay to shop around until you find someone who you feel comfortable with. Therapy is a collaborative process, and it’s essential to have a good rapport with your therapist to make progress towards your goals.
Finding a great therapist can be a game-changer for your mental and emotional well-being. Whether you’re experiencing a crisis or are just looking to work on yourself, therapy can help you live a happier and healthier life. Using virtual therapy platforms and asking for referrals from trusted sources are great ways to find a therapist who can provide you with the care and support you need.
Therapy can benefit individuals of all ages and backgrounds. It’s important to break down the stigma surrounding therapy and encourage those in our lives who may need it to seek help.
-w.w.
more like this
Leave a Reply