Why I’m Not Ashamed To Say I Go To Therapy
Why I’m Not Ashamed To Say I Go To Therapy
Therapy is not something that you should be ashamed of. It is a scientifically proven way of effectively solving many problems with the human body and mind. It can help you in ways that you cannot even imagine.
Despite its advantages, most people still find it hard to turn to a professional therapist for their issues. The very idea of going to someone you do not know previously and sitting down and discussing the matters that you might not have discussed with even your closest family members or friends can be very intimidating and awkward.
How can I tell everything about my life to a total stranger? Why should I go to someone I do not even know? How can he or she solve my problems without even being part of it? I do not have a mental problem, why should I start therapy? How will the people judge me?
These and many more similar questions keep many people from going to a therapist and actually finding solutions to the most challenging problems of their lives.
Through this article, I will debunk some of the misconceptions that people have about therapy, and show you that it is ok to say, “I go to therapy and I am not ashamed to say I do”.
Going to Therapy is not a Weakness
Many people believe that acknowledging that you have a problem in life and sharing it with someone, reflects your weaknesses. It is an admission of your inability to handle your own problems and issues. However, this is not true.
Going to a therapist is not a sign of weakness rather it is a way of venting out your burden and expressing your suppressed feelings. Going through long periods of trauma, anxiety, stress, and depression can lead to a person being overburdened mentally and physically.
This is a time when you need to reach out to a professional therapist who is there to listen to you without judging you. The admission that you have a problem and you are looking for ways to solve it is actually a sign of strength and courage. It allows you to own your problems and be courageous enough to find their solutions as well.
No One Is Perfect
To overcome the feeling of shame or fear of therapy, you need to understand that no person in this world is perfect. We all have our pluses and minuses. Most people who have a mental or psychological issue fail to admit it.
Remaining in a denial phase keeps them away from therapy and even if they move ahead of this phase, they feel ashamed of their shortcomings. The key is to understand that we all have some strengths and some shortcomings. A successful person is one who recognizes his or her shortcomings and takes steps towards improving where they need to and continuing to develop their strengths.
No one in this world has a perfect life. Everyone is going through some ups and some downs.
Therapy Does Not Make You Crazy
People feel ashamed of going to therapy because they believe that it is for crazy people and lunatics. This is a societal stigma that has been attached to all types of psychiatric treatments and therapies for a very long time.
Those who fall prey to this belief, end up having prolonged suffering. What we all need to understand is that therapy is for everyone. Any person who feels depressed, rejected, dull, traumatized, or anxious for any reason can turn to a therapist for help and support.
Someone with a listening ear who can give sound advice can bring happiness to your life.
Therapists Are Professionals
People often think that they can solve their own problems. But without any appropriate knowledge, skill, or qualification, they hold on to the same problems for years and end up in even graver situations.
We need to realize and understand that psychiatry and psychology are two very complex and independent subjects of study. People spend years learning and practicing effective ways of therapy and counseling.
Going to a therapist does not mean that you cannot handle your problem. It is a way of seeking professional help for them. These are qualified people with the right experience who can help you come out of this unwanted and unpleasing condition much faster and effectively.
Taking a Pill Is Easier
We have a myth in our society, that most mental disorders and health problems can be solved with medication and pills. People with depression, anxiety, and stress often turn to nerve relaxants and sleeping pills to overcome their mental issues.
Science and studies have proven that pills and therapy together can create better results. In some cases, therapy alone can do wonders.
Effects of most pills of this sort are temporary and lead to relapse very soon. Medications can have negative side effects on physical and mental health as well like, seizures, strokes, vomiting, and suicidal feelings.
So, therapy is always better than medications because it does not have side effects and long-lasting effects that the medications have.
Therapy is Unending
This is another misconception, that if you start therapy once, you will have to go forever. The length, intensity, and frequency of your therapy are mostly dependent on the stage or graveness of your problem. There is no fixed time period for any type of therapy.
To Sum It Up
Whenever we are physically ill or sick we go to a doctor or healthcare provider. Similarly going to a therapist or psychologist should not have any stigma attached to it. It should be treated as a normal course of action in any mental stress or disorder.
You should not be ashamed if you are seeking professional help. It is the best treatment. Your mental health is as important as your physical well-being. So why let it fall prey to your fears, discomfort, or misconceptions.
Be confident about your actions and courageously admit that, “I go to therapy and I am not ashamed of it.”