I am a HUGE supporter of going to therapy. Like, I always suggest to someone to go to therapy if it seems like they need a listening ear. I have been attending therapy sessions for over 10 years (since my teen years), and now in my early thirties, I recognize the real power that counseling has had in my life.
Like so many others, I have struggled with mental illness for many years. I live with what can sometimes be severe depression and anxiety. I have tried several types of medications, self-medicated, talked to family and friends, and seen several different counselors throughout my experience.
I started taking anti-depressants in high school and they did help me feel better, but once I got older, my senior year, I needed extra help. At that time in my life, I didn’t quite understand how to be introspective or really try and get to the bottom of why I was doing certain things or how to approach challenges I was facing in my life. I’m glad my mom was open to the idea and helped me set up my first counseling experience once I went to her and asked for help.
For the past several years of my adult life, I have been seeing one particular counselor; she has heard about many major moments – good and bad – since before I was even engaged (or possibly right around that time, I can’t remember). It has been interesting to have her bring up something I have gotten much better at or something that has changed since becoming a wife and mother. It’s nice to know from a mental health professional that on some levels I have matured.
I have had periods where I haven’t been to talk to my counselor for several months, and periods where I go every two weeks, and honestly, over the past couple of years, I have been going much more frequently. Since becoming a mom just over two years ago I have had several emotional issues come up that I thought I had worked through…but as my entire worldview shifted, I found myself beginning to realize I hadn’t fully worked through my parent’s divorce, and just had new feelings and fears come up that I was unfamiliar with.
It is so incredibly freeing and helpful to speak to someone who has no emotional investment in your choices; someone you know won’t judge you! (If you feel judged or not right about any aspect of your current therapist, please seek a new one) Of course, it’s helpful to talk things out with your partner, friends, or family members, but sometimes I find it helpful to have another person’s input who is impartial.
I have been able to open my brain to new ways of thinking and dealing with issues that arise in my life. Having mental strategies to deal with a panic attack or with any other triggering experience has been quite empowering; knowing that I can get myself through a challenge feels so good!
Obstacles that come up in life are inevitable. We all face challenges throughout life, so why not arm yourself with every tool available to assist you? When working through something that may be bothering you, or if like me, you have depression, anxiety, or any other type of diagnosis and just need some extra assistance to deal with life, it feels good to be able to have a professional to guide you.
It’s not the end-all-be-all. I still analyze what I’m being told. I just think therapy is a wonderful tool to help deal with parenting, relationships, family, all of life’s rewarding but frustrating moments.
It is wonderful to share this information with others in hopes that someone will seek out a counselor, a listening ear, a supporter in order to have a better understanding of self. Thank you for sharing and offering others inspiration.