Signs That It’s Time for Therapy
Signs That It’s Time for Therapy
Signs That It’s Time for Therapy
The pandemic has taken an emotional toll on many of us. Perhaps the last year left you feeling depressed, anxious or ready to make a big life change.
I spoke with experts about how to decide whether you would benefit from mental health counseling →
Signs That It’s Time for Therapy
First, think about how you would respond to the following questions:
Are you struggling to get through the day or feeling persistently sad, irritable or anxious?
Have you withdrawn from your loved ones or are you arguing more often?
Have you thought about harming yourself?
Have there been changes in your sleeping or eating patterns?
Are you using drugs or alcohol to cope?
Signs That It’s Time for Therapy
These are some of the signs that you might need therapy or medication.
“When it’s really affecting how you live your life, is when we want you to reach out for support,” said Dr. Erica M. Richards, medical director of the department of psychiatry at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C.
Signs That It’s Time for Therapy
“Everyone has occasional bad days,” said Brit Barkholtz, a licensed independent clinical social worker in St. Paul, Minn.
“But, if you’re having more days like that than not — and no matter how many friends you talk to, or sick days you take, or strategies you try, it still seems like you’re not feeling any better — it could be time to look into therapy,” she said.
Signs That It’s Time for Therapy
But the truth is that therapy can be useful for nearly anyone.
Mental health professionals can help you find different ways of approaching whatever challenges you’re dealing with.
Signs That It’s Time for Therapy
For example, you might need extra help in figuring out how to manage a stressful situation, solve a relationship problem or gain a better understanding of yourself, said Dr. Katharine Phillips, a professor of psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian.
And unlike friends or family, therapists are trained in “how to hold really tough stuff that people bring to therapy,” said Lynn F. Bufka, a clinical psychologist and a senior director at the American Psychological Association.
Signs That It’s Time for Therapy
Ready to get help? Here are a few places to start your search:
The website Psychology Today
The American Psychiatric Association’s “Find a Psychiatrist” resource
Hospitals or academic institutions
Community programs
Your primary care provider
Teletherapy offered by companies like Amwell
If it feels overwhelming to look for a provider, consider asking a friend to help you search.
And if you need help urgently, use one of these free, 24/7 resources.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
The Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741741
Anyone at immediate risk of harming themselves can go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.