Should I Start Therapy? 5 Reasons It Might Be Time to Talk to Someone

Did you know that 75% of people benefit from going to therapy? Working with a licensed psychotherapist can be a transformative process for many, especially when they are going through a difficult time [1]. Making the decision to start meeting with a therapist can be difficult, and it takes courage to take the first step. If you are having one or more of the following thoughts, it might be a sign you might benefit from starting therapy.

1. "I feel stressed out ALL the time."

Stress is a normal part of every day life, however it doesn't have to affect how you feel all of the time. Going to therapy can help you get to the root of why your body and brain are reacting to stress the way that they are. Chronic stress can cause issues with sleep, appetite, energy levels, concentration, and even immune health [2] [3]. Therapy can help you shift the way you think and feel using a number of strategies. A therapist may also provide activities and coping skills to use outside of therapy in order to decrease the amount of stress you are feeling on a day-to-day basis.

2. "I have more bad days than good."

Everyone has a bad day every once in a while, but when the bad has overtaken the good, it might be time to talk to someone. Many factors might make a day "bad"; whether it's feeling overwhelmed by negative emotions, spending too much time overthinking, or getting into frequent arguments, a therapist might be able to help. A licensed therapist can work with you to figure out what is contributing to those bad days and create a plan to make things better.

3. "I can't enjoy the things I used to."

You used to love playing video games, walking your dog, or spending time with your friends, and now these things don't seem to make you happy quite like they used to. A symptom of depression, called anhedonia, impacts people's ability to experience interest or pleasure [4]. A therapist can work with you on skills to decrease anhedonia using specific strategies and techniques to get you back to doing what you love.

THERAPIST TIP: Add some novelty by recycling an old activity you used to love. Think about how you enjoyed spending your time when you were younger. Was it basketball? Find a local park and shoot some hoops. Was it coloring? Find some adult coloring books or a paint by number set.

4. "I can't get myself to do anything I need to."

   Getting things done can be difficult for a number of reasons. Aspects of ADHD, depression, and anxiety can all contribute to issues with "executive functioning". "Executive functioning" is the ability to carry out any task. This can impact activities like doing schoolwork, household chores, hygiene tasks, and even hobbies [5]. While working with a therapist, you may collaborate to understand what is making it difficult for you to get stuff done. With someone who is knowledgeable about mental health, you can explore this challenge in a non-judgemental space and work together to improve it.

   
   

   THERAPIST TIP: If you're having trouble getting yourself to do a task, imagine it. Let's say you would like to go for a walk. Imagine yourself lacing up your shoes and taking a lap around your block. It's not a big deal if you don't end up taking the walk immediately, but thinking about it can get you one step closer to getting there.

5. "I feel dissatisfied in my relationships."

   

   Relationships can be difficult sometimes, whether with friends, family, or romantic partners. Relationships can also have a huge impact on your mental health either positively or negatively. Sometimes communication, attachment styles, boundaries, and other aspects of relationships can cause issues in your life. Working with a mental health provider, individually or as a family or couple, can often benefit your relationships and subsequently your mental health.

   
   

There are many reasons to start to see a therapist, but these are just some of the common reasons that it could be beneficial for you!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a licensed mental health professional with any questions you may have regarding your mental health or a medical condition. Reading this blog does not establish a therapist-client relationship. If you are in crisis, please contact a crisis hotline in your area or seek immediate assistance from emergency services.

Citations:

[1] Thriveworks. (n.d.). Pulse of mental health report: Research on therapy and its benefits. Thriveworks. Retrieved January 27, 2025, from https://thriveworks.com/help-with/research/pulse-of-mental-health-report/

[2] Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022, April 8). Stress management: Know your triggers. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved January 27, 2025, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037

[3] Cleveland Clinic. (2021, April 28). What happens when your immune system gets stressed out? Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved January 27, 2025, from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-happens-when-your-immune-system-gets-stressed-out

[4] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.

[5] Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Executive dysfunction. Retrieved January 27, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23224-executive-dysfunction