I get it, there are several misconceptions and stigma associated with “mental health”, so deciding to see a professional counselor may not be on the top of your to-do list. But, there’s a good chance that you urgently need to see a counselor more than you realize. Most of the time, we are too focused on taking care of our physical health that we completely ignore our mental health – and this can come with pretty dire consequences.
The truth is that seeing a professional counselor is not something to be ashamed of. It’s just as important as seeing a doctor when you think or feel something isn’t right physically. The reality is that many people experience different mental health conditions that are often deemed subtle or simply swept under the carpet for fear of being stigmatized. These can range from sleeping disorders to anxiety or social phobia.
If you are still hesitant to see a professional counselor, here are 6 good reasons why you should give it a shot:
Reason #1: You Are Thinking Of Suicide Or Hurting Yourself
If you are having suicidal or harmful thoughts, you need to see a professional counselor right away. Failure to do so may result in a catastrophe that could have been avoided with help from therapy. Professional counselors are trained to help prevent conditions such as self-harm or suicide, so even if you feel as if no one can help you or you don’t need counseling, you should still see a counselor. If at any point you feel like hurting yourself, it is always best to seek help right away by reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or your counselor (if you have one).
Reason #2: You Feel Alone
Oftentimes, people dealing with mental health conditions feel isolated or alone even when in the company of other people. This typically stems from the inability to be understood by others, especially when it comes to dealing with their challenges. In such cases, having someone who understands how you feel can be of great help. Talking to a professional counselor can help you feel better about your condition, as well as reassure you that you aren’t alone.
Reason #3: You Constantly Experience Mood Swings
One of the earliest signs that indicate that you may be experiencing a mental health issue is unexpected mood swings. If you notice that your mood constantly changes, especially if you experience more negative moods – you should see a counselor immediately. A counselor can help you figure out the source or trigger of your mood swings and help you work around it. He or she may also propose certain therapeutic practices to adopt whenever you experience a mood swing.
Reason #4: Nothing Makes You Happy
Maybe there was a time when golfing was what set your adrenaline pumping, or simply taking a walk in the park made you feel great, but suddenly, these things do not make you happy anymore. You suddenly lose motivation to do anything or even go anywhere. This can be a signal that you need to take care of your mental health. If you feel yourself pulling away from the things that typically used to be your favorite activities, then you need to see a professional counselor as soon as possible. Therapy can help you pinpoint why you are experiencing a loss of motivation and how to remedy the issue.
Reason #5: You’re Finding It Difficult To Connect To Others
As humans, we thrive on our relationships with others to survive, whether it’s our relationship with family, friends, co-workers, or our partners. If you feel like you are having a hard time connecting to others or your relationships seem strained, it might be best to opt for the most reliable counselling services in Perth because therapy can help you uncover the underlying cause(s) of this disconnect and help you foster a healthier connection and relationship with others. You might also opt for couple therapy if you and your partner are experiencing challenges in your relationship.
Reason #6: You’re Sleeping More Or Less
A change in sleeping pattern is a strong indication that you might be experiencing depression. If you notice that you’re sleeping more or less than normal, you should see a therapist help you investigate the underlying problem and how to solve it.
That said, seeing a professional counselor is a good idea, especially if you want to maintain excellent mental health. It is very important to care for your mental health just as much as you care for your physical health. Professional counselors are trained to handle a wide range of mental health issues, so you can rest assured that there’s always someone who can help you.
