Therapy has now become more normalized than ever. Conversations flow on the advantages of therapy and many celebrities have been public on their own journey of bettering their mental health. The benefits of therapy are numerous, as even being able to talk through and process emotions properly will lift a heavy weight off anyone’s shoulders. However, even with this normalization and these benefits in mind, I find it hard to get myself to commit and start the journey through therapy. After a hard week, I often find myself thinking that this is it, I’m going to get into therapy, and two minutes later I find every reason to avoid making an appointment. After some self-reflection, here are a few obstacles I have difficulty coming to terms with:
- Cultural Barriers
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Although therapy is now normalized in American culture, there are still many communities that struggle with grasping the benefits. Growing up in an immigrant household, discussions of mental health were avoided and it was mainly considered a taboo. There was almost an emphasis on how mental health was a hoax and that one should be able to overcome certain issues on their own as it was a weakness within. This conception of mental health has been hard to overcome and breaking the barrier to personally normalize therapy is difficult. Fearing the judgment of those around me and possibly even disapproval has held me back from reaching out to a therapist.
- Awkward (literally)
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One of the main reasons I can’t get myself to start therapy is the initial awkwardness I feel will inevitably come. Getting to know someone is a great feat in itself, however speaking to someone exclusively about my life and experiences seems like the most horrible situation I could put myself in. As a person who only loves telling anyone about the numerous funny encounters I experience on any given day, my emotions are something I rarely discuss. It’s a known fact that a therapist knows some of their patient’s deepest secrets and inner emotions, which makes me uncomfortable with creating that sort of connection. The depth that therapy requires makes me shy away from its benefits.
- Finding the Right Therapist
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Being a regular Reddit user (and watching literally every TikTok reddit/Subway Surfer video), I have heard a few therapy horror stories. And to be completely honest I’ve even seen how the wrong therapist has absolutely led to someone making the wrong decision. Opening up to someone is such an accomplishment in itself; I would hate for it to be the wrong person and to find that, suddenly, things are looking worse than before. There are multiple matchmaking platforms that I have heard of and I’m not entirely sure which ones are the most reliable. This bridge is a bit easier to cross, through, and quite honestly I may just be using it as an excuse.
There are many barriers to overcome before I book my first therapy appointment, but I believe this acknowledgment will get me one step closer. Realistically, I know that therapy is the best way to connect with myself and come to terms with certain situations. As mental health continues to become more normalized, I hope future generations grow more comfortable and open to reaching out for help.