Some of the most common misapprehensions of our time are focused on the topic of mental health. It is simply saddening to see how much stigma lies in this sphere. No matter how adept we get in finding our own little ways to deal with our life issues, each one of us can use a little extra support from someone who is trained to help. We have to collectively start realizing that there is no shame in asking for help. Research shows that verbalizing one’s feelings has a certain therapeutic effect on the mind. All in all, investing in one’s mental well-being should be something that all of us should make a priority.
Today’s fast-moving world trivializes the importance of mental health horribly. The truth is that just as physical fitness is an important component of a good life, mental health is equally important too. A state of good mental health helps us to sustain a good quality of life. It helps us in dealing with problems such as stress, anxiety, depression, obsessions, etc. The ultimate goal is to dive deep and understand ourselves so that we treat ourselves with greater levels of understanding. One way to achieve such a state is to talk to a professional. Talk therapy- also known as psychotherapy- is one of the most commonly known forms of therapy. One doesn’t have to be in the grasps of a serious mental ailment to seek therapy. Au contraire, everyone can benefit from therapy; regardless of one’s problems being too small or big. Therapy focuses on long-term ways to understand the way the seeker thinks, feels, and behaves. This long-term approach of therapy is perhaps its most important benefit. The fact that human beings are reflective and evolving in their approach helps therapy’s positive gains to multiply over time.
Physiological symptoms like physical trauma are also treatable by way of therapy. Apart from this many physical ailments also start fading away once the patient starts cultivating good mental health practices. The key is to understand that different components of our body are not islands in themselves; rather they need the proper coordination from all fronts- mental and physical- to work optimally. Another one of the most important benefits of therapy is that it helps one gain a fresh perspective on the issues of life. Talking to a trained professional, in a safe space, without the fear of being judged or coerced, is something that works wonders to gain a new perspective on existing troubles. As a result of this one starts to feel that there is no harm in feeling the way they feel. In essence, therapy gives the sense that we are not alone in our problems and that it is okay to feel not good sometimes.
However, the most daunting step in this journey is to make the first move. It is not easy to come to terms with the fact that one needs therapy. Part of the reason for this is the unabashed amount of social stigma. Some credit goes to the fact that sometimes we just do not feel ready to open up to a stranger and seek help directly. As humans, we tend to hide away our vulnerabilities because we do not want people to think of us in a certain way or otherwise. Therapy solves this conundrum as the most essential feature of it is that a therapist strives to create a safe and judgment-free space. Judging you or forming an opinion is not what therapists do, rather they merely help one in developing a greater understanding of self. Any stage in life could be the right time to start therapy. One never knows what benefits or insights spring out of it. Just as we go to our physicians and dentists for timely checkups, we should start giving a thought about paying a visit to therapists as well.