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<\/h1>\n<\/h1>\nWe all reach moments in life when things feel like too much \u2014 when struggles pile up, and even small tasks feel overwhelming. Maybe you\u2019ve noticed it\u2019s harder to get through the day, or that your once-familiar joy just isn\u2019t there anymore. It\u2019s not always easy to tell when a rough patch has become something deeper, but being aware of certain signs can help you decide when to reach out for extra support. When any type of mental health or emotional concern affects daily life and function, therapy may be recommended. Therapy can help you learn about what you\u2019re feeling, why you might be feeling it, and how to cope. Psychotherapy, talk or talking therapy, counseling, or simply therapy \u2014 no matter the name it\u2019s known by, mental health counseling can benefit people struggling with emotional difficulties, life challenges, and mental health concerns.<\/span><\/p>\n Seeking therapy isn\u2019t about needing to be \u201cfixed\u201d or having something \u201cwrong.\u201d Instead, it\u2019s a safe space where you can work through thoughts, emotions, and life\u2019s complexities with someone who understands and has the tools to guide you toward feeling better. Therapy can help improve symptoms of many mental health conditions. In therapy, people can learn to cope with symptoms that may not respond to treatment right away. Research shows the benefits of therapy last longer than medication alone. Medication can reduce some symptoms of mental health conditions, but therapy teaches people skills to address many symptoms on their own.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Therapy also lets you talk through life\u2019s challenges, such as breakups, grief, parenting difficulties, health impacts, or family struggles. For example, couples counseling can help you and your partner work through relationship troubles and learn new ways of relating to each other. Note that crisis resources, not couples counseling, are typically recommended for abusive relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019ve been wondering whether it\u2019s time to ask for help, keep reading to learn about a few common signs that therapy could bring you relief, greater understanding, and the strength to take on life\u2019s challenges with a renewed sense of purpose.<\/span><\/p>\n Mental health issues are common. Recent statistics from the <\/span>National Alliance on Mental Health<\/span><\/a> show 1 out of every 5 American adults lives with a mental health condition, while 1 in 20 adults experience a serious mental health condition each year. 1 in 6 U.S. youth age 6-17 experience a mental health disorder.<\/span><\/p>\n But only about 40% of people with mental health issues get help. Untreated mental health issues often get worse and may have other negative effects. They could also lead to:<\/span><\/p>\n Suicide is the second leading cause of death<\/span><\/a> for people in the United States between the ages of 10 and 34. About 90% of people who die by suicide in the U.S. lived with a mental health condition.<\/span><\/p>\n The best option for anyone contemplating suicide is to get immediate help is reaching out to a <\/span>suicide helpline<\/span><\/a> through phone, text message, or online chat. You may be encouraged to call or visit the nearest emergency room. A therapist can help support you going forward, once you are no longer in crisis.<\/span><\/p>\n It may take some consideration before you decide you\u2019re ready for therapy<\/a>. You might want to wait and see if time, lifestyle changes, or the support of friends and family improves whatever you\u2019re struggling with.<\/p>\n The American Psychological Association suggests you consider a time to see a therapist when something causes distress and interferes with some part of life, particularly when:<\/p>\n Additional Signs:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Fatigue.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Disproportionate rage, anger, or resentment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Agoraphobia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Apathy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Social Withdrawal<\/span><\/p>\n Sometimes therapy doesn\u2019t \u201cwork\u201d right away. Even in an ideal therapy situation, it can take time for symptoms to improve. \u2013 months or years. Going to therapy and seeing no change may cause frustration. Perhaps you haven\u2019t found the <\/span>right therapist<\/span><\/a>, so it\u2019s worth it to continue your search for help. If you\u2019re still experiencing any of the symptoms above, therapy should still be an option. Don\u2019t stop your quest to improve your mental health.<\/span><\/p>\n It can help to look for a therapist who treats what you\u2019re experiencing. If you don\u2019t have a diagnosis, you can talk to potential therapists about your symptoms. Most therapists will let you know if they\u2019re able to treat your concern. If they can\u2019t, they may be able to recommend someone who can.<\/span><\/p>\n Keep in mind different approaches may be better for different issues. If you didn\u2019t feel heard in your previous therapy, or if your symptoms have changed since your last therapy session, a different therapist might be exactly what you to move forward.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re considering therapy, you may be thinking about the possible drawbacks. <\/span>Cost<\/span><\/a> might be a concern for you. You might also be aware that therapy is often difficult. <\/span>Trauma<\/span><\/a> or other painful events from the past can be frightening to remember and discuss with someone. Working through challenges isn\u2019t easy, and therapy isn\u2019t always a quick fix. Make sure that when you\u2019re ready to see a therapist that you can be honest with yourself and with your them.<\/span><\/p>\n But if you\u2019re willing to do the work, therapy can be rewarding. It\u2019s a safe, judgment-free space where you can share anything, with a trained professional who is there to help.<\/span><\/p>\n If you recognize the signs that a change is needed, starting therapy could provide a gateway to greater well-being. It\u2019s more than just talking about what\u2019s not right \u2014 it\u2019s a chance to explore new perspectives, recognize patterns, and build skills that help you manage stress, strengthen relationships, and improve your overall mental state. With the right therapist, you\u2019ll work together to set goals that feel meaningful to you, taking small steps that create lasting change. <\/span><\/p>\n Have you ever caught yourself wondering, “Should I go to therapy?” If so, find out! Learn why going to therapy can be important and how it can help.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2924,"featured_media":43729,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_crdt_document":"","_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[542,1909,1885,1910,1936,1894,1884,1931,1946,628,1863,624,1841,1762,1838,1959,1953,1904,1911,1897,1893],"tags":[678,2010,2027,1611,2005,2026,2025,99,2009,1172,2024,846,73],"class_list":["post-39720","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured-articles","category-anger","category-anxiety","category-burnout","category-career-related-issues","category-chronic-illness-pain","category-depression","category-eating-disorders","category-family-concerns","category-general","category-grief-and-loss","category-modes-of-therapy","category-parenting","category-relationships","category-self-concept","category-separation-and-divorce","category-sex-sexual-concerns","category-sexuality","category-stress","category-trauma","category-womens-issues","tag-benefits-of-therapy","tag-go-to-therapy","tag-help-for-mental-health-issues","tag-helping-a-depressed-friend","tag-helping-aging-parents","tag-mental-health-issues","tag-need-therapy","tag-psychotherapy","tag-see-a-therapist","tag-seeking-help","tag-signs-to-see-a-therapist","tag-talk-therapy","tag-therapy"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39720","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2924"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39720"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39720\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43729"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39720"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39720"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39720"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Why You Should Consider Therapy?<\/h2>\n
How Common are Mental Health Issues?<\/h2>\n
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The GoodTherapy registry might be helpful to you. We have thousands of therapists<\/a> listed with us who would love to walk with you on your journey. Find the support you need today!<\/h3>\n
Recognizing the Signs You Could Benefit From Therapy<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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If you experience any of the following emotions or feelings to the extent that they interfere with life, therapy may help you reduce their effects. It\u2019s especially important to consider it’s time to see a therapist if you feel controlled by symptoms or if they could cause harm to yourself or others.<\/p>\n1. Feeling Constantly Overwhelmed, Anxious, or Have Intrusive Thoughts.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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2. Experiencing Persistent Sadness or Hopelessness.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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3. Struggling with Self-Esteem or Negative Self-Talk.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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4. Facing Major Life Transitions.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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5. Difficulty in Relationships.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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6. Turning to Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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7. Difficulty After Trauma<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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8. Feeling \u201cStuck\u201d or Lacking Motivation.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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9. You\u2019re Interested in Bettering Yourself.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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What If I\u2019ve Already Tried Therapy and It Didn\u2019t Work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nThe Benefits to Seeking Therapy<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Here are a few benefits of therapy:<\/h3>\n
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How Therapy Can Help You Move Forward<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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At GoodTherapy, we make it easy to find the perfect therapist for your individual personality and needs, cutting the guesswork and difficulty out of finding empowering support. Whatever challenges you face, remember you\u2019re not alone \u2014 help is here when you\u2019re ready.<\/span><\/h3>\n
Even if you aren\u2019t sure you want to commit to therapy, many therapists offer a free first session or phone consultation to talk through what you\u2019re dealing with. Based on your symptoms, they might encourage you to get help. Begin your <\/span>search for a therapist<\/span><\/a> today!<\/span><\/h3>\n
If you believe you may need help beyond or in addition to a therapist, <\/span>GoodTherapy Recovery Treatment Centers<\/span><\/a> provide additional options to help beat addictions.<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"