{"id":43265,"date":"2024-05-01T11:33:47","date_gmt":"2024-05-01T15:33:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/?p=43265"},"modified":"2024-05-01T11:33:47","modified_gmt":"2024-05-01T15:33:47","slug":"where-to-start-mental-health-in-a-changing-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/where-to-start-mental-health-in-a-changing-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"GoodTherapyMay is <\/span>Mental Health Awareness Month<\/span><\/a>, and there\u2019s no better way to start it off than taking the first step in seeking help or assisting those who would like to start counseling. Doing so raises awareness and helps break down negative, long-held beliefs \u2014 many of them untrue \u2014 about what it means to attend therapy, whether as an individual, couple, or family. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For those new to the process, and understandably ambivalent, let\u2019s discuss how you can play a key role in changing societal attitudes toward mental health \u2014 even before you even sit in a therapist’s office \u2014 and what contributes both positively and negatively to our mental state, and how to go about finding counselor suited to your needs.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Create Awareness<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Fortunately or unfortunately \u2014 depending on how you look at it \u2014 we are always connected, digitally at least. Our smartphones ensure we are only a couple clicks away from responding to a bombardment of text messages, staying up-to-date on current events, responding to work emails, or coordinating your kids\u2019 carpool schedule. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And work pressures remain one of the top stressors in our lives. A Gallup poll showed that U.S. workers report feeling the highest levels of stress, with <\/span>57% of respondents stating they feel stressed<\/span><\/a> on a daily basis, even though almost <\/span>half feel there is a stigma<\/span><\/a> around talking about mental health in the workplace.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While we surely have more convenient lives in many respects, in other ways, life stressors have become more omnipresent, with the separation between work and home life increasingly muddied.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We may think this is just how life is \u2014 going through the motions, checking things off the to-do list \u2014 but if the last decade of heavy smartphone use has taught us anything, it\u2019s that the hyper-connected world we live in is not necessarily better for our mental health. In fact, some studies have found a positive <\/span>correlation between increased digitization and symptoms<\/span><\/a> of anxiety and depression.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That flies in the face of the myth that you should have experienced a particularly tragic event to need therapy. To the contrary, many who find they are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety are dealing with a more insidious form of such conditions, ones which are the product of a variety of external factors we often deem positive \u2014 working long hours, access to innovative technology and overabundance of material goods. While all these have positive aspects to them, they sometimes prevent us from being present and checking in with ourselves emotionally.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Behavior and Attitude<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lots of progress has been made in de-stigmatizing mental illness and therapy, but more work remains. Current attitudes often vary greatly depending on gender, age, cultural background, religion, socioeconomic status, and upbringing. For instance, data from the American Psychological Association shows the <\/span>greatest increases in unmet need for mental health services<\/span><\/a> were among Latino and Asian populations, as well as those identifying with two or more races. And women also tend to seek mental health services at higher rates than men. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Never before have U.S. companies been so generous with offering employees mental health days \u2014 rather than just sick days \u2014 as well as added benefits, such as subscriptions to meditation apps and mindfulness coaching.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The more therapy and mental health conditions are discussed openly and honestly, the less alone people will feel seeking therapy. And we intuitively understand that the less lonely individuals feel about the struggles they\u2019re enduring, the less likely they are to suppress it.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But because different demographics and groups of people view therapy differently, it\u2019s particularly valuable for those harboring particularly stubborn stigmas to take the courageous step of seeking help and discussing it with trusted family members and friends, as well as creating more diverse representation in the field of mental health.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Starting Therapy<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Starting therapy, whether it\u2019s with a new therapist or your first-ever experience, can feel overwhelming. After all, the reasons you\u2019re seeking counseling are likely accompanied by feelings of vulnerability, discomfort, or even shame. But the process doesn\u2019t have to be stressful.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Know why you are seeking therapy<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

There may be a defining event that was the genesis of certain symptoms or feelings of despair, anxiety, anger or depression. But it\u2019s also likely you can\u2019t pinpoint specific moments. It\u2019s important to understand what you hope to get out of therapy, as well as what you\u2019re currently experiencing, regardless of how familiar you are with the underlying causes.\u00a0 For example, a husband and wife may not quite understand why they are fighting on a regular basis, but pinpointing what they hope to get out of therapy \u2014 a healthier relationship less riddled with accusatory remarks and assumptions \u2014 is a good first step. For both couples and individuals, it\u2019s important to seek change, especially internally, and understand what you hope to get out of therapy.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Identify important traits and experience<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"WomanThere are some logistical considerations to take into account, including insurance coverage or whether you prefer face-to-face or teletherapy. Each option has its pros and cons, and it will come down to your own personal comfort level. But depending on your financial situation and benefits, be sure to research what your bill will look like for both types of sessions.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

From there, it\u2019s helpful to consider a therapist\u2019s traits and experience you\u2019d find particularly compatible. For some, working with a mental health professional who has worked with clients struggling with substance abuse disorder is critical. Or perhaps seeing someone who shares a similar cultural background or religion is important. Gender can also play a role, as research has shown that nearly <\/span>70% of female clients prefer a counselor<\/span><\/a> of the same sex.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Use online directory tools like GoodTherapy<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Even after taking all of these factors into account, people often abandon the search once it feels difficult and time-consuming. After all, someone <\/span>seeking a therapist<\/span><\/a> is often already feeling overwhelmed, and meeting regularly with professionals who don\u2019t seem like a good fit is draining and demotivating.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To lessen those chances, and before meeting one-on-one with any available therapist who happens to accept your insurance, use online directory tools like <\/span>GoodTherapy<\/span><\/a> to filter your search for criteria that are important to you.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can also refer to the <\/span>GoodTherapy guide<\/span><\/a> for a more robust breakdown of what to expect out of therapy and how to start the process. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Be an Advocate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

You don\u2019t have to be a mental health professional or have a large social media following to be an advocate for therapy and mental health. Anyone can <\/span>make a commitment<\/span><\/a> to check in more with loved ones.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Four ways to check-in:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n