4 Signs That You Need Counseling
Everyone has bad days and good days. However, when your bad days outnumber good days, or when a single bad day makes it more difficult for you to be in balance, it is time to consider professional help. Beginning therapy can be a challenge, especially when it's your very first time talking with a professional. Unfortunately, many people wait to see a counselor until their situations become wholly unmanageable. When people wait too long to reach out for help, their relationships might be falling apart, or their job may be in jeopardy.
It is not uncommon for individuals to use unhealthy coping mechanisms, like overeating, watching too much TV, or using drugs to cope with problems. Unfortunately, all of these things create more problems in their lives. If this looks pretty familiar to you, now is an excellent time to receive an outsider's perspective on the problems you are struggling with. Our Windermere counseling experts offer the following signs that you might benefit from counseling:
Life doesn't feel as good as it used to.
When you start to lose the enjoyment of things that you once loved, it is a significant warning sign that you are depressed. These issues do not only extend to reading the paper, playing video games, or surfing the internet. Even our closest relationships are affected by depression. For example, you may find that you are irritated by your partner, even when you have never had any arguments or fights before. You may have moments of clarity where you feel like you're being over-reactive, so you scold yourself and recommit to kindness, but the same frustrations keep coming back. You may not have a clear understanding of the reasons behind your loss of enjoyment, and that's where therapy can be helpful.
You start experiencing physical symptoms.
It is difficult for some people to come to terms with the fact that physical pain often begins in their minds. However, it is essential to note that the same neurotransmitters that help you regulate norepinephrine, serotonin, and mood also relieve pain, so it is not surprising that your body will respond with physical changes when your mood becomes impaired. Physical symptoms often appear when people fight uncomfortable feelings and thoughts with ineffective techniques. You may want to consider seeing your physician for a general health screening for all or any physical symptoms to help rule out possible physical illnesses.
You cannot get your mind off of a traumatic event.
Replaying stressful events in your head, avoidance habits, nightmares, and hyperalertness related to a specific event or events are warning signs that you may have PTSD. Unfortunately, these symptoms are doubtful to resolve on their own. But the good news is that there are many effective therapies to help a person recover from their traumatic experiences. In addition, a qualified counselor can help guide you through the process while providing the extra support you might need when painful feelings or thoughts are being experienced.
You are experiencing a significant life change.
Sometimes life will throw us a curveball. For example, we may start or graduate college, lose our jobs, or have a loved one contract a serious illness. These life experiences can require us to explore unfamiliar territory and master new skills. During times like this, it can be helpful to have a professional in your corner that you can bounce ideas off of and confide in. Family and friends can sometimes be helpful, but they can also show extreme bias. There are many different ways. You can benefit from spending time with a trained counselor who can offer a non-judgmental attitude and give you confidential assistance.
These are just a few signs that you need to see a therapist. Contact us today to learn more about Windermere counseling and start your journey toward improved health and well-being.
