Chapter 1: The Importance of Therapy

Therapy is a resource available to everyone, and yes, that includes you.

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Reflecting on my own experiences, I realize I should have reached out to a therapist around seven years ago. My initial appointment came only in January 2021. Throughout my career and academic journey, I've faced persistent indicators of mental health challenges. Feelings of dissatisfaction, lack of purpose, and dwindling interest have plagued me, leading to disengagement. This boredom spirals into a lack of motivation, causing my focus to drift far from my responsibilities, ultimately resulting in a flood of negative emotions.

If only I had taken the step to seek help earlier, I wouldn't have endured the struggles I faced for six additional years. I want to share my story to prevent you from making the same mistake.

Therapy is Not Just for the "Crazy"

If you grew up in an environment where therapists were labeled as "shrinks," it can be daunting to pick up the phone when you find yourself in need of support. This stigma might lead you to believe you don’t require professional help. Remember, therapy is not exclusively for those labeled as "crazy." It’s for individuals who recognize their need for assistance, aiming to avoid that very label.

Signs It's Time to Seek Therapy

Taking the initial step to book a therapy session can be the most challenging part of the process. It forces you to confront the societal stigmas surrounding mental health and admit you require help. Here are some indicators that it might be time for you to reach out to a therapist:

1. You find yourself questioning if therapy could benefit you.
2. Family and friends suggest you consider speaking to a therapist.
3. You repeatedly make choices that adversely affect yourself and those around you.
4. Persistent negative emotions seem impossible to shake off.
5. You struggle to comprehend your actions and motivations.

Even if just one of these resonates with you, it’s likely that you’re overdue for a mental health checkup. Ignoring this can lead to prolonged suffering and unnecessary distress, all of which could be alleviated through therapy.

The Risks of Delaying Therapy

I delayed seeking therapy for at least six years and faced several consequences as a result. Here’s a brief overview of what I endured:

• I postponed an ADHD diagnosis, which delayed treatment for years.
• I fell out of love with my initial career path, repeating this cycle with five other jobs over the next six years.
• My untreated ADHD symptoms almost jeopardized my relationship with my now-wife.
• Anxiety levels escalated, impacting my overall well-being.
• I suffered from ADHD-related migraines for years, missing out on potential relief from medication.
• I spent too much time in confusion, failing to understand myself.

Can you relate to any of this? If you feel trapped in a cycle of emotional strife, it’s likely a sign that therapy could help. While therapy won’t magically resolve all your issues, it provides valuable strategies and support to help you become the best version of yourself.

The Temporary Nature of Therapy

Recently, my therapist suggested I was ready to transition to maintenance sessions after a year of progress. I declined because I knew I had more to work on, especially as winter tends to worsen my Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). With changes at work also looming, I felt it was unwise to cut therapy short. Now that spring has arrived and my job situation has stabilized, I’m prepared to embrace her suggestion.

Therapy is not a lifelong commitment. Much like a cast for a broken bone, it serves as a temporary measure to help you heal. Even if complete recovery isn't possible, therapy can help you improve and grow in ways that are difficult to achieve alone.

Embracing the Journey to Your Best Self

While I have much to learn, therapy has provided me with the tools to navigate my life more effectively. It has allowed me to discover my true self and potential. If my experiences resonate with you and you’ve yet to try therapy, I encourage you to take that leap.

Therapy is not merely about talking for an hour each week; it's a journey to uncover your true self and learn the skills necessary to enhance your life. In today’s chaotic world, any chance to heal from past wounds or to better understand your psyche should be embraced.

You are not alone in your struggles, nor should you feel burdened by societal stigmas surrounding mental health. Your well-being is too important to overlook. Although my therapy journey may be evolving, I know I will seek help again when needed, and I won’t wait as long next time.

If my story strikes a chord, I hope you’ll take the step to prioritize your mental health. You deserve to thrive.

How to Know When It's Time to See a Therapist - This video outlines critical indicators that suggest when you should consider therapy, emphasizing the importance of mental health.

5 Signs You Should See a Therapist (From a Travel Therapist) - A practical guide highlighting signs that indicate the necessity of professional support, particularly from a therapist's perspective.