It can be difficult to know if your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors are normal. It can also be upsetting to realize that we could greatly benefit from professional help, especially after a life changing event such as a tragic car accident, slip and fall, or the emotional stress dealing with a wrongful death. There is no clearly defined line for each person that means they should see a therapist, as every person’s experience of the world is unique. However, our friends at The Lotus Wellness Center has provided some signs that may mean you should consider contacting a therapist for support:
#1 Your symptoms interfere with work success.
If you have trouble managing your anxiety at work and find focusing to be incredibly difficult, then you may want to talk with a therapist. A sharp decline in productivity may be a sign of a mental health issue that should be addressed.
#2 Your sleep habits have recently changed.
Talking to a therapist about underlying mental health challenges can ward off insomnia or excess sleep. Studies show that behavioral therapy can be effective for those struggling with insomnia.
#3 You just don’t feel quite right.
We don’t always feel as perfect as we want to. But if it seems as though you can’t seem to shake feeling “off” or disconnected, then meeting with a therapist may be a good idea. Changes in mood that persists for longer than a couple weeks may warrant visiting a therapist.
#4 You want to improve your unhealthy coping skills.
Uncomfortable feelings and negative thoughts can cause us to have unhealthy coping skills, such as drug use or overeating. Almost any coping skill can become not-so-healthy if we use it as a crutch for feeling mentally unwell. For example, sleeping more to avoid emotions you feel when awake could introduce serious problems into your life and health.
Anxiety can feel all-encompassing, and can be alleviated through talk therapy. Consider reaching out to an anxiety therapist from The Lotus Wellness Center for compassionate support.