Are you still wondering if therapy is for you? In recent years, there’s become an ongoing conversation about the importance of taking care of our mental health and a push for more Black people to prioritize their health by seeing a therapist. If you’re still not convinced that therapy is for you, keep reading to learn four reasons why it’s essential for everyone to visit a therapist to maintain good mental health.
And before you ask, no, you don’t need a mental illness to see a therapist, so let’s dive right in:
1. A therapist can support you through life’s transitions.
When you’re experiencing a significant life change, having the support of a therapist to help you emotionally and mentally deal with the transition is incredible. Big transitions can be isolating, so talking with a therapist during a difficult time can help you feel less alone and more grounded.
2. A therapist can teach you healthy ways and tools to cope.
The truth is many of us aren’t equipped to handle life’s daily stressors, and we turn to unhealthy habits like drugs and alcohol, binge-watching TV, overeating, and more to cope. A trained mental health professional teaches you healthy methods to turn to instead of your usual coping mechanisms.
3. A therapist is equipped to handle your emotions and challenges, unlike your friends.
Our friends can be great listeners and maybe even give solid advice, but they’re not trained professionals. A therapist is an unbiased listening ear who has been equipped to handle whatever you throw at them versus your friends who are only trying to help.
4. A therapist can help you understand yourself better.
Sometimes it’s just good to talk things out with someone. A good therapist will ask you probing questions that inspire you to look deeper within and discover the good and the bad about yourself and what you’d like to change.
It’s essential to see a therapist because they can give you the tools and support we all need to shoulder life’s challenges. If you’ve been considering it, it never hurts to try, and perhaps by the end of your first session, you’ll wish you started even sooner!
