Therapy for many people can be an intimidating subject and it’s not always pleasant to talk about. Some people have bad experiences or maybe it can trigger some bad memories. That being said, it is an important topic to talk about.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, in the United States, approximately one in five people suffer from mental illness, while a study conducted in 2019 said only 9.5% of people in the United States go to therapy or counseling for mental health issues.
I am not a medical professional and I can’t convince you to go to therapy. I can tell my experience with starting therapy, though.
I am part of the one in five Americans who struggle with mental health. From the time I can remember I’ve dealt with anxiety. I struggled a lot with overthinking, panic attacks, and having this consistent sense of panic. In addition to that, I struggled with intrusive thoughts. Those thoughts were extremely unpleasant and I would ruminate on them for weeks. At times it would get so bad I would dread going to sleep because I would dream about them. I thought this pattern of thinking was completely normal, though. I didn’t realize that this was something that I could change or cope with.
Luckily, I am from a family that is very open about mental health issues. My parents never once made me feel bad about the way I was or that I needed to seek help. In fact, they encouraged me to seek help. I remember being around 12 and my mom suggesting that maybe I should go to the doctor and talk about my problems with anxiety and overthinking.
I refused though, and I remember telling her that I didn’t think therapy was for me because how can a therapist who’s never dealt with the things I’m dealing with understand. Looking back on that now it doesn’t make a lot of sense, but I think it’s a valid concern that a lot of people have about therapy.
Finally, when I was 14 I sought out help. During this time my parents had recently gotten divorced and I was struggling. I was referred to a therapist, but I won’t lie I had mixed emotions. On one hand, I was scared, and I didn’t want to talk about my problems. I was worried that they might judge me, and quite frankly I was embarrassed about my struggle with anxiety. On the other hand, I think I was relieved I would finally get home help.
I remember my first appointment was scary. You’re just supposed to go into a room with a stranger and admit all your deepest darkest thoughts. You know absolutely nothing about this person except their name and you’re just expected to trust them. Even though the first few visits were a struggle to learn to open up, therapy completely changed how I dealt with mental health.
I finally learned to cope and no longer was I in this constant panic state, and let me tell you, it feels so good. So, if you’re nervous about going to therapy, I say do it. I know how much it’s helped me and I think it can help you as well. As always, also remember you are loved and important.
