“We may define therapy as a search for value.”
Abraham Maslow
When we develop the first signs of a cold we immediately call the doctor; having an ache in the tooth, we rush to the dentist; pain in the stomach takes us to the gastroenterology expert. Whom do we go to on having immense sadness, feeling on the verge of a nervous breakdown or being unable to process death in the family- mental health professionals.
Why do we hesitate to approach a psychologist/ therapist or psychiatrist when our mental health doesn’t seem alright?
There is a lot of stigma around seeing a mental health professional which makes it difficult for people to do something for their mental health. It is important to truly understand what therapy entails to seek therapy.
Let us understand about therapy. Psychotherapy is a collaborative process based on the relationship between an individual and a therapist where the therapist provides a supportive environment that allows you to talk openly with him/her who is non-judgmental and genuine.
It provides a safe space to navigate through tangled thoughts, suppressed emotions, and difficulties, work on strengths and realise scope for growth. It helps build healthier ways to cope with situations and overcome distorted thoughts and negative self-talk.
Therapy is a form of self-care which involves prioritising your mental health. The mind and body share a reciprocal relation and disturbance in any one can severely impact the other.
Therapy equips people to lead happier and healthier lives. Therapy provides a safe and secure place for everyone to share, be vulnerable, and go to our inner depths.
Some areas where Psychotherapy can help in:
- Coping with stress, tension and worry
- Dealing with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression and mood disorders
- Building self-esteem, assertiveness and confidence
- Anger management
- Dealing with complicated family dynamics and relations
- Coping with grief, loneliness and death
- Identifying emotional triggers to cope with them better
- identifying maladaptive patterns and thoughts to alter them to healthier ones
- Managing relationships better
Our biological, social and mental health are all interrelated so a disturbance in any one can impact all of them. Therapy impacts all areas of life positively like sleep, diet, motivation, self-esteem, anxiety, work and productivity and many other areas. So mental health should be a priority like physical health, try therapy yourself and see what it holds for you and how it unfolds for you.
Let us normalize focusing on our well-being and seeking help. Let us de-stigmatize approaching mental health professionals and talking about our feelings and fears. We should encourage people around us to seek help from mental health professionals when they feel the need to.
