Have you ever thought about seeking therapy, but always seem to find excuses not to schedule that appointment? Perhaps you’ve convinced yourself that the problem will resolve itself over time. Or you perceive setting up an appointment as an inconvenience because it conflicts with your busy schedule.
For many people, the daily grind makes it easy to ignore the importance of properly maintaining our mental health. There have probably been many instances in which you dealt with an emotional struggle without therapy and still found a way to ride through the storm. But what about those times when you weren’t able to fully bounce back? How long should you wait until you decide to get professional help? And what situations merit speaking to a therapist?
Contrary to popular belief, therapy extends beyond individuals diagnosed with mental illnesses. Even for those who are otherwise mentally stable, sitting on a psychologist’s sofa can be a huge benefit when you are experiencing a dramatic change in your life and need guidance. The stresses you deal with have a major impact on your physical health, relationships with your friends and family, and can even adversely affect your professional life. Therefore, it’s crucial to recognize these changes and seek assistance before your life becomes unmanageable. Here are 8 critical signs that it’s time to make an appointment with a therapist.
1. Your relationships are suffering
Our mental health undoubtedly has an impact on our relationships. For instance, when we suffer from a serious bout of depression, we are inclined to isolate ourselves from those who are most important to us. Or we develop social anxieties that manifest themselves in the form of poor boundaries, passive-aggressive behavior, or unhealthy attachments. A professional therapist can help you break out of your shell and develop strategies that allow you to communicate better with others and establish healthy boundaries.