Current Events > How did you convince yourself to see a therapist?

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i have so many undiagnosed mental health problems. Manifested as being hateful and having negative thoughts.

I know therapy will help me. But I'm just so afraid to go. I'm afraid to open up, and I'm afraid of the social stigma. I'm also afraid of the process of finding a therapist.

There's nothing wrong with going to the therapist or even talking about it. It's so common, especially with our generation that people mention it in their online dating profiles. The Younger generations are all prioritizing mental health, so no worries

And therapists won't judge you either btw..
First step is just check if your healthcare provider has a department for therapists or you can look and see other places and check to see if your insurance covers it

I had an extreme life event happen recently that pushed me waaaaayyy over the edge. I knew I needed some help.

Tbh, the thing that really got me to go was that it was a requirement of my grad school program. I'd been wanting to get help for a long time but never really brought myself to do it until I had no other choice.

In the end, I'm very glad that I got the help. It empowered me to make some real changes in my life, and I'm much better off for it. I understand feeling scared about it, but odds are whatever it is you're afraid of sharing, your therapist has heard worse. And, while there is some degree of stigma around therapy, that's really no good reason to let your life decay. Finding a therapist can be a pain, but it undoubtedly beats the alternative.

Thanks for the encouragement and stories.

The thing is I'm only seeing virtual therapy. Does it matter if it's in-person or virtual?

Another question, should I go for a male or female therapist?

WalkingLobsters posted...

Thanks for the encouragement and stories. I'm looking for therapists right now but I only see virtual

The thing is I'm only seeing virtual therapy. Does it matter if it's in-person or virtual?

Another question, should I go for a male or female therapist?

I'd personally prefer in-person, but plenty of people have good outcomes from virtual therapy sessions.

As for the gender, that really comes down to personal preference. I'm male and met with a male therapist, but I think a female therapist would've been fine too.

I had a bad mental breakdown and literally saw no way out. Freaked out and made a topic about it on here which got me blocked, but not before a lot of people suggested seeing someone about it. So, with no other options I spoke to my doctor and she got me set up.

Seeing a therapist is like seeing a dentist. Everyone should go see one once in a while, to clean out the gunk, and if they find anything that's broken or messed up, they'll help you out. It might not be pleasant, but it's way better than not going.

I don't have money, so I don't. Realistically if I did. I would want to deal with this repressed animosity instead of continually reflecting it back upon myself over and over again.

I'm content with my problems, I should probably seek something like this out but I manage for the most part. I guess I dont want someone to tell me how screwed up I am.

I hit my breaking point a few months ago. I finally decided to use my insurance and FMLA and got some help. My friends and family have been super supportive.

I hope find the courage to get the help you need. It's not easy but opening up in a no judgment zone can be a good start.

The fact that you think it'll help is enough reason to go. Just do it, fuck the stigma. Anyone who gives you shit about it is an asshole who isn't worth your time. Tell em to eat shit and fall down some stairs.

Honestly I'm a bit envious. Therapy does jack for me. I wish I could somehow feel better/improve my life just by talking stuff out with a professional. >_>

But if it's any consolation, the first few sessions always feel awkward and stilted while you're learning to open up, and you probably won't feel like much has been gained early on. The therapist recognizes this. There will reach a point, sooner rather than later, when you finally find yourself able to really open up and if you think you'll be receptive to therapy, that's when you're going to start seeing a lot of progress.

Kim_Seong-a posted...

The fact that you think it'll help is enough reason to go. Just do it, fuck the stigma. Anyone who gives you shit about it is an asshole who isn't worth your time. Tell em to eat shit and fall down some stairs.

Honestly I'm a bit envious. Therapy does jack for me. I wish I could somehow feel better/improve my life just by talking stuff out with a professional. >_>

But if it's any consolation, the first few sessions always feel awkward and stilted while you're learning to open up, and you probably won't feel like much has been gained early on. The therapist recognizes this. There will reach a point, sooner rather than later, when you finally find yourself able to really open up and if you think you'll be receptive to therapy, that's when you're going to start seeing a lot of progress.

This was a bit of a stumbling block for me when I went to counseling. Getting things off ones chest is nice and all, but its not gonna be the end-all for whatever problems youre facing. Ultimately, it comes down to the changes you choose to make in your life; the therapy just helps you figure out what changes need to be made and how to make them.