SEEK THERAPY- DO NOT STRUGGLE IN SILENCE

What do you think, who goes for therapy? The words that will strike your mind would probably be crazy, unstable, someone having mental disorders or someone who needs fixing. These are some misconceptions that become prohibiting factors for consulting a therapist. Now, this begs an explanation to the question; “What is therapy?”

Therapy is a space wherein you can unleash your inner conflicts, vent down your bottled-up emotions, comprehend and transform yourself into a person you have always wanted to become. Therapy can help you strengthen your resilient muscles while they are healthy enough to be flexed; issues are much easier to prevent than they are to fix. Without the fear of getting judged and manipulated, therapy is a relationship with a trained professional that helps you achieve your desired life.

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Therapists are well equipped with mental health and related fields. They are trained to listen to you and help you resolve your issues. Professionals provide a comfortable and confidential space to give a person validation and support to heal themselves. Mental health professionals uncover your embedded emotions and thoughts. They help you in magnifying your consciousness. The unexplainable emotions, loss of sensation and hold on your behaviour,  constant worries, unhealthy patterns of relationships, traumas endured, the pain inflicted;  all can leave us with the discomfort that, in turn, lead to varied kinds of mental health issues and disorders.

Therapy provides a room where one can open the heart and mind. Therapists help you understand the beautiful yet complex thing called ‘MIND’. Despite all the efforts of mental health professionals worldwide and imploring people to prioritize their mental health, people still show reluctance and resistance to therapy. The problem lies in how individuals perceive therapies. We often perceive therapies as going to the hospital to get our broken parts mended. The pattern in which we perceive our environment plays an integral role in the formation of our attitude. The term ‘mental health is equated with mental health issues, but instead of just mental fixes, we should be thinking about mental fitness. You do not have to be completely mentally and emotionally shattered to have access to therapy. One can consult a therapist to prevent the stage of absolute burnout. You do not have to be anything but curious and ready to level up and move closer towards the version of yourself that you want to be.

We live in a culture that fantasizes about happiness, and if we are not thrilled all the time, we are made to believe that something is wrong with us. But it’s important to realize that happiness is not a sustainable end goal. Happiness is one of the many healthy and pleasant emotions In therapy, you have the permission and support to feel the full range of human emotions instead of just one small slice. It might be challenging to understand how transformative that is until you see the magic it can spark in your life.

Therapy is a blessing rather than an embarrassment. It is a stepping stone in meeting your inner self and realizing your inner potential. It is a courageous and empowering act of addressing your mental and emotional disbalances and seeking help to resolve them. Therapy is not just about having a conversation; it is way more than that.

For maintaining our physical health, we go to the gym, follow a diet, and incorporate every necessary lifestyle change to not fall into the hands of any diseases. Then why do we hold back when it comes to maintaining our mental health? The answer lies in the misconceptions that have led to the deeply embedded stigmas that many of us carry.  They cause harm to the individual themselves, more than anyone else. Therapy is often considered an act of shame and people consulting therapists are seen as unfit and defiant from society. They are being mocked upon and targeted for addressing their issues. Although many of the stigmas and myths are being busted lately with growing awareness of people about mental health, still people hesitate to make a much-needed call to a mental health professional for assistance.

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Here are some common myths that hold people back from reaching out for help: .

“Therapy is only for crazy people.”

Many people think that therapy is only for those acting differently or those who have serious problems. The way television and golden screen have portrayed the image of therapy is one of  the biggest reasons for growing misconception among people. Sitting on a couch while a person is hypnotizing and psychoanalyzing you, screaming, crying, acting insanely. This is what is being shown in the name of mental illness and therapies. Therapy is not only for serious problems or for the people who have hit “rock bottom.” In reality, therapy is for those who want to attain self-growth, improvise their way of living, have the willingness to resolve their conflicts, and achieve a better life. Therapy helps you gain insights about yourself by assisting us in making compassionate choices and maintaining healthy relationships.

“I can talk to friends and family for free; why should I consult a professional for that ?”

This misconception stems from a belief that therapy is all about talking and listening. Therapy is not all about having a conversation with someone. Moreover, it is a professional relationship that helps you cope with your imbalances and discrepancies. Talking with friends about your mental health issues can be comforting and give you the necessary support and warmth. However, when it comes to resolving them, acquaintances, family, and friends are incapable of helping you to deal with your problems. Therapists are trained and have expertise in helping people deal with their mental and emotional health issues. The skills of being empathetic, non-judgemental make professionals different from others and specialized in their work area.

On the other hand, friends and family can be biased in offering advice. They can also cause more harm than good. Whether intentionally or unintentionally as they are not professionals and they do not have any expertise in dealing with mental health issues.They can only pull some advice or support. However, they are not the ultimate solution and can never replace the essence that therapy holds.

“Only wealthy people can afford therapy.”

One of the major hindrances in consulting a therapist is people’s belief that therapy is only for rich people or the elite class. The reality is that it depends on whom you are consulting. Therapy can range from low to high rates. It is like consulting a doctor for your physical illness. You can choose which service you want. Also, a therapist charging low rates for their services does not necessarily indicate their  lack of professionalism or skills. With all the online services and organizations working to eradicate stigmas encircling mental health, you could easily access affordable therapy at your convenience.

“Therapy takes forever.”

Therapy is for your benefit and is carried out at your convenience. Just like a cough or any physical illness cannot fade away overnight. Similarly, mental illness takes time to recover. You are unleashing inner conflicts, designing treatment plans, and eliciting and discovering the sources of mental illnesses. All this takes time and effort. When you realize that your therapy objectives have been fulfilled and you have healed,  you can get back to work with a well-functioning mind and soul. Then you can ask your therapist to terminate the therapy.

Conclusion

Therapy is something that can help you become more comfortable. Therapy can drastically increase the depth and authenticity of your happiness. It will honor the cathartic beauty of your sadness and make a profound necessary space for every feeling that lives within you. However, many of the stigmas surrounding therapy are lifting away with the growing concern for mental health. There is still a need for expanding awareness and busting stigmas and myths, which are embedded inside the mind of people. Therapy is not a sign of weakness, and it is instead an act of bravery and empowerment. Therapy is a blessing and one of the best things that you can have in your life. Therapy is the first step towards evolving as a willing and strong enough to address their issues and seek professional help.

“A client once asked me if I would carry them to the finish line. I answered, “I won’t carry you, but I will support you along the sidelines and when you feel you can’t go any further, I will hand you some water. You will want to quit, but I’ll be there to cheer you on and remind you of your goal. When you reach that finish line, I will celebrate with you. Cause you did it. No one else. You. That’s my role as a therapist.”

~Clarinda Brandao

References-

Tedxboulder- Dr. Emily Anhalt

TedxFiDiWomen- Dr. Leslie Carr

How psychotherapy works- the school of Life

WRITTEN BY: Himani Verma (2nd Year)

REVIEWED BY:
Labhanshi Mittal (Blog Coordinator)
Palak Singla (Editing Team Coordinator)