Psychotherapy, talking therapy, counseling, or simple therapy- no matter what it is called, mental health counseling can benefit those who struggle with life challenges, emotional stress, and other mental health concerns.
Visiting a Calgary psychologist can help improve many mental health conditions and allow you to cope with symptoms that may be chronic or not improve right away. Research shows that regularly attending therapy works better than relying on medication alone. While medication can reduce some symptoms of mental health conditions, psychological therapy teaches individuals the skills they need to cope with and address symptoms through their daily lives. These skills create a toolbox that individuals can use for years after they stop going to therapy.
Mental health problems are much more common than one may believe. Research shows that up to as many as one in five people deal with a mental health condition, but less than half of people seek help.
Who Needs Therapy?
It can be challenging to discern when the right time is to seek the help of a psychologist near you. While therapy can help individuals work through issues that lead to suicidal ideation, it is not the best option for those in a crisis. If you are dealing with a crisis, you need to seek help immediately by reaching out to a suicide hotline via phone or online chat.
If you are dealing with a mental health concern that affects your daily life and ability to function, then you may be a good candidate for therapy. It can help you learn about what you are feeling and why and how to cope with your emotions. Therapy is also a safe place for individuals to talk through life challenges such as grief, family challenges, and breakups.
When To Consider Therapy?
It may take some time before you feel ready to reach out to a psychologist in Calgary. You may want to wait and see if you can find ways to cope independently and improve your symptoms through lifestyle changes and the support of friends and family.
Our team suggests that you seek therapy when something causes you enough distress to interfere with your daily life, specifically when:
Thinking about the problem takes up more than an hour of your day
The issue causes you to avoid social interaction
The issue negatively affects your relationships
You have attempted unsuccessfully to cope with the issues on your own
Additionally, if you experience any of the following feelings or emotions to the point where they are significantly impacting your life, therapy may help you cope with their effects:
:
Fatigue- this is a common symptom that accompanies mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Fatigue can cause you to sleep more often or to have challenges focussing throughout the day.
Agoraphobia- those with this condition fear being in areas where they may experience panic attacks or the feeling of being trapped. In severe cases, this feeling can prevent you from being able to leave your house.
Hopelessness- losing motivation or hope and feeling as if the future is futile can be debilitating. While feeling hopeless for a short period is not uncommon, persistent hopelessness can lead to depression and suicidal thoughts.
What Happens If You’ve Tried Therapy and It Didn’t Work?
A lot of individuals attempt therapy once or twice and give up because they do not see results. It is important to note that it can take time for symptoms to improve when it comes to therapy.
Going to therapy and not seeing any change can be frustrating and seem like a waste of money and time. There is no single approach that works for everyone, and not every therapist is ideal for every individual. It may take some trial and error to find a therapist that works well for you. It can be helpful to search for a therapist who has experience in treating the symptoms you are experiencing.
The Benefits of Therapy
If you are considering therapy, you can look forward to many benefits. You will learn more about yourself, learn how to achieve your goals, build better relationships, and improve your overall health.
Even if you aren’t positive that you want to commit to therapy, many therapists will offer a free initial consultation to talk through what you are currently experiencing and provide you with professional advice. If you are struggling with your mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced psychologist to reclaim your life today.
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