Everyone experiences sadness occasionally. However, if these feelings persist for weeks and begin to interfere with daily life, it may be time to consider therapy for depression. Depression is more than just a bad day; it’s a pervasive state that diminishes the ability to feel pleasure, disrupts sleep, and can make it difficult to even get out of bed.
Recognizing when to seek therapy can be challenging, so let our providers at Daybreak Telepsych help you identify the warning signs and start your journey toward feeling better. Contact us today.
How Do You Know You Need Therapy? 8 Warning Signs
Navigating the decision of whether to start therapy can be confusing, especially if you’re new to the process. For those questioning whether it’s the right step, here are eight indicators that seeking professional support may be beneficial:
1.You cry or feel like crying often
While a certain degree of crying is normal, persistent daily crying of feeling the need to suppress crying on a regular basis could be a sign that you are depressed and would benefit from professional help.
2.Daily Activities Feel More Difficult or Overwhelming
This can include simple activities such as bathing or getting dressed, or you may find yourself struggling to accomplish tasks at school or work.
3.You Are Isolating Yourself
Hiding in your room, ignoring texts, or making excuses to avoid friends? Depression often causes people to withdraw from their usual social activities and support networks.
4.Your Body Feels “Off”
Depression often presents itself with physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, increased pain, and fatigue.
5.Anger or Irritability
You may notice that you are more easily bothered or angered by things that did not previously affect you.
6.Hopeless Thoughts
People struggling with depression may experience feelings of hopelessness, as if there’s no way forward and their situation will never improve.
7.Loss of Interest
When you’re experiencing depression, it’s common to find that things you used to enjoy—hobbies, favorite foods, or spending time with friends—no longer bring the same pleasure.
8.You Are Using Unhealthy Coping Habits
It is common to turn to unhealthy coping habits such as binge eating, self-harm, excessive screen time, or substance abuse when you are experiencing depression.
Seeking help doesn’t require you to reach a crisis point; therapy is beneficial at any stage.
When to Seek Help for Anxiety (It’s Okay to Ask!)
Many people experience depression and anxiety as co-occurring conditions, but anxiety can also occur on its own.
When do you need help with anxiety issues?
Consider seeking professional help for anxiety when:
- Anxiety is affecting your performance at school or work.
- Anxiety is causing fear or shame about connecting with others.
- Anxiety is causing physical symptoms such as shaking, sweating, chest pain or pressure, or difficulty in breathing.
Why Seek Therapy?
Why seek therapy instead of just waiting for things to improve? Therapy offers unique tools for navigating life’s challenges, rather than simply waiting for things to improve on their own. A therapist can:
* Help you develop effective strategies for managing sadness and anger.
* Assist you in identifying and challenging negative thought patterns.
* Provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can freely express yourself.
Consider therapy as a resource that equips you with skills to navigate difficult experiences, both now and in the future.
“I’m Scared to Try Therapy”: Overcoming Anxiety About Therapy
It’s perfectly normal to feel anxious about starting therapy. Some common concerns people have are:
* What if the therapist doesn’t understand me?
* Will I have to share things I’m not ready to talk about?
Rest assured, therapists are trained to adapt their approach to match your comfort level and pace. Sharing your concerns about feeling nervous can actually be a great starting point in therapy, and your therapist will work with you to create a safe and supportive environment.
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It’s like asking for directions when you’re lost—a smart and courageous thing to do.
How to Start Therapy
Talk to an Adult You Trust
- The first step to seeking help is to confide in a trusted adult such as a parent, teacher, or counselor. Let this person know that you have been struggling and are interested in seeking help from a mental health professional.
Asking questions before your first visit can increase your confidence. Some questions to consider asking include:
- “What will we talk about?”
- “How long are the sessions?”
- “Will my parents be informed of things I say during therapy?”
Give It Time
Therapy is a process, not a quick fix. It’s normal to feel a little awkward or uncomfortable at first, but many teens find that therapy gets easier and more comfortable after a few sessions.
“But What If People Find Out?”—Dispelling Myths
There’s a common misconception that therapy is “only for crazy people,” which simply isn’t true! Let’s address some of the myths surrounding therapy:
Myth: “Therapy means you’re weak.”
Truth: It’s important to remember that seeking mental health support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Just as we wouldn’t hesitate to see a doctor for a broken arm, we should view mental health care as equally essential to our well-being.
Myth: “Therapists will share your personal or private thoughts with your parents”
Truth: With the exception of circumstances when your safety is at risk, your therapist will maintain patient-provider confidentiality and will not share any information with your parents.
Myth: “Therapy is a lifelong commitment.”
Truth: Each person’s experience in therapy is unique. Some may benefit from regular, long-term sessions, while others find a few months of therapy or less frequent visits sufficient. Your therapist will help you to determine the frequency and duration of treatment that will be most beneficial to you.
Conclusion: You Deserve Support
Seeking help when you feel stuck or alone, may feel overwhelming, but it is always worth taking that first step. You don’t have to hit rock bottom to benefit from therapy. Addressing issues early can prevent them from becoming bigger problems later.
Your mental health is important, and therapy can be a valuable resource for managing depression, anxiety, or both. It’s there to guide you when you need it.
There is help available.
FAQs
What if I can’t afford therapy?
If you’re looking for help, please consider reaching out to a trusted adult. A teacher, school counselor, or doctor can be a great resource. They can guide you to free or discounted therapy options that may be available to you.
Is therapy only for “crazy” people?
Therapy isn’t just for those facing severe mental health challenges. It’s a valuable resource for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply not their best. Think of it as seeing a doctor for a broken bone—your mental well-being deserves the same care and attention as your physical health.
