Making the decision to seek therapy can be both a frightening and relieving thing. On one hand, you are ready to seek help and overcome whatever you may be going through, on the other hand, you have fears about the consequences of doing so. We will address some of the common fears around therapy.
We feel ashamed to seek help:
With the current stigma around mental health, we can feel afraid to seek help because of what others may think of us. We might think it shameful to ask for help. We might think seeking help makes us weak or lazy – this is not true. Everyone needs help from time to time and that is okay. Things are less likely to get better if you try to fix things on your own. Your mental health is as important as your physical health.
We want a quick solution for our problems:
Therapy can be a long process and takes commitment. Many of us may not want to have to put in that time as we are looking for a quick fix. The truth is, there is no quick fix. Many people are resistant to change which is why it can take so long to get to the point where you are seeing changes in your behaviour. You cannot keep doing the same thing and expect different results.
We don’t believe it will work:
This ties in with the previous point. We may feel that if therapy does not seem to be working right away, it will never work. But this is not true. Persevere and you will see results! Some may be resistant to starting in the first place due to a lack of confidence in therapy. However, research has shown it to be beneficial for a variety of mental health issues. The cost of doing nothing at all may be more detrimental to you than giving therapy a shot. You are worth investing in.
The Psych Talk 
Consulting a Psychologist is a call worth taking, BUT one should keep in mind its limitations and not expect it to replace medication. Feeling vulnerable, indignant, insecure, fearing judgement, not liking one’s Doc, trying to evade certain topics, these things are common before one seeks professional help. Howmuchsoever you feel relieved about the prospects of getting an outlet for pent-up thoughts & feelings, the readiness to open up may elude you. Building trust with a shrink isn’t easy, nor is feeling “free” to talk. When you can figure out what bothers you exactly , are willingly preparedfor trying this option, your stand a greater chance to get positive outcomes. Have a good look at yourself, don’t harbour pre-conceived notions, and definitely don’t underestimate how powerful communication is. Praying and reaching out to higher power also helps..
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As someone who push shoved initially into therapy … all those fears and anxieties are heightened. Can I speak the truth? Will I be called crazy?
This time around I’ve chosen to go and speak and I’m more willing to listen, open minded, and have found therapy, so far, beneficial.
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I’m glad to hear that! 🙂
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