When Should You Consider Therapy

Author: Yousra B.

Website: Womenhancers.net

There are hundreds of good reasons to consider psychotherapy. And hundreds of (false) good reasons not to go…

How do you know when you’re “ready” to go to therapy ? There is no generic diagnosis that can provide a single answer to this question. When we talk about psychotherapy, it is impossible to indicate anything in the way of a doctor who would prescribe this or that medicine.

There are, however, ways to help you figure out if you should start therapy sessions.

First, let’s state some facts about Women’s mental health, according to the World Health Organization:

• Depressive disorders account for close to 41.9% of the disability from neuropsychiatric disorders among women compared to 29.3% among men.
• Leading mental health problems of older adults are depression, organic brain syndromes and dementias. A majority are women.
• An estimated 80% of the 50 million people affected by violent conflicts, civil wars, disasters, and displacement are women and children.
• Lifetime prevalence rate of violence against women ranges from 16% to 50%.
• At least one in five women suffer rape or attempted rape in their lifetime.

These statistics prove that even though mental health issues are universal, women are more susceptible to face them. Which brings us to our main point: The tell-tale signs that you are one of the women affected, and that you need to consider therapy sessions.

It may seem obvious, but recognizing that you have a problem in your life is one of the main reasons to go to therapy sessions. Women are especially gifted with a strong ability to recognize their real issues using just their gut feeling. If you feel that something is wrong with you, think about getting help from a therapist.

Mental issues/disorders deserve more attention than most of us give them. Taking actions in favor for one’s  mental health is no longer considered an odd thing to do. Sometimes, your relative, partner or friend may be behind the idea of you going therapy.

But even if it is based on the good intention of the person giving this advice, it is necessary that the person who consults should realize, even sometimes only half-heartedly, that they have a problem. Therapy sessions require real personal investment. Getting help has to be a personal decision, no one can force you to do it.

Women are often told that they are too emotional, or they are overreacting (ovary-acting) to a certain situation. However, the fact that a feeling is weighing you down, that your thoughts are an obstacle to a smooth running of your life are for sure a valid reason to get help. No one is allowed to take that right from you.

Sometimes the simple fact of deeming your problem as an unsolvable issue can cause pain. But it also causes discouragement to take any action (including therapy sessions) under the pretext of being too desperate of a “case” …

Please keep in mind that being unable to operate on your own does not mean that there’s no hope for you, that’s what therapy  sessions are for after all! The example of some mental disorders such as depression, proves that no matter the severity of the issue, consulting a specialist is the first step towards rebuilding oneself.

Some people will initially consult to solve a particular problem, others for a variety of reasons. In reality, whatever the subject of the consultation, the most essential element to start therapy sessions is to find a motive that gives the primary impulse. Reasons such as “I have a problem with alcohol”, “I feel sad for no reason”… are often a pretext, the origin of the disorder is not here, but it is a cry for help. It must be seen as a trigger, a gateway to psychotherapy.

If one or more of the symptoms mentioned are relatable to you, therapy sessions may help you reduce the effects and gain more control over your mental wellness.

Remember, your feelings are valid, you deserve the help of a psychotherapy. From compulsive behaviors to dark or self-destructive thinking to addiction or eating disorders, the field of psychotherapy is important enough. Therapy sessions can deal with a wide range of disorders.

Yousra B. is a passionate writer from Womenhancers.net. She strives, through her articles, to share her knowledge on various topics. She describes herself as an eternal daydreamer, a gloomy weather lover, and a big fan of Italian food.