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Unfortunately, for many years, therapy has gotten a bad rap. Many people thought it was only for “crazy” people and some people felt that it wouldn’t help them. Of course, that is not the case and therapy has been proven effective time and time again. It can help people work through a number of issues from depression, to anxiety, to stress, to substance abuse and several others.
But when do you know if therapy is right for you? It can be difficult to know when your issue is one that you can work through alone. Or if it is one that you could use some assistance with. Thankfully, there are some signs out there that you can use to help with this decision. Read on to learn a couple of the signs that it’s time to seek therapy.
You Are Abusing Alcohol and Drugs to Cope With Issues
If you find yourself seeking out things like drugs and alcohol to cope with life, you may want to consider therapy. This is especially true if the drinking or drugs is disrupting other parts of your life and you cannot control the behavior. If you begin treating these vices like an escape from reality, it is time to consider getting help. You can get substance abuse counseling through Horizon Counseling Services and other providers that can help you through your issues. This therapy can help you fix up your coping skills, as well.
You Have Stopped Doing Things You Used to Love
If you have just randomly stopped doing things that you used to love (work out, hang out with friends or play sports), it might be a sign that you could benefit from therapy. People who are struggling often have trouble finding the energy required to do the things they used to love. Many people in these situations won’t feel like doing anything other than simply laying around or sleeping. This feeling of lack of care and interest is certainly something to keep an eye on.
You Have Just Experienced a Tragic Loss or Traumatic Event
Another sign that it might be time to seek therapy if you have just experienced a tragic loss or event in your life. This could be the loss of a loved one, a home invasion, getting fired from your job, or any number of other things. These can be very hard to deal with alone. As a result, some people may need some assistance. Even if you don’t feel that down right now, it’s a good idea to consider therapy. You never know when the pain, shock, or reality of the situation will hit, and you want to ensure you have proper coping mechanisms in place to deal with it.
You Feel Hopeless About the Prospects of Life
Depression is a major problem that faces tens of millions of American adults. While everyone experiences depression, stress, and anxiety differently, it can often cause feelings of hopelessness. This is a general lack of motivation, care, or a positive outlook for your future. If you find yourself with no hope about the future and no excitement about anything in your life, for a prolonged period of time, consider reaching out.
A Number of People Have Expressed Their Worry About You
If you yourself cannot identify when there is a problem, take the advice of those around you. If your friends or family are constantly asking if everything is okay or commenting on how “down” you seem to be, it might be time to consider therapy. No one is likely going to come out and say you need therapy, but they will make small attempts to help you see that as a viable solution.
In conclusion, we hope this article has been able to help you learn when it’s the right time to seek therapy.
