Have you ever considered seeking therapy to manage your mental health? In a world where toughness and resilience are often celebrated, the importance of mental health is often overlooked. We tend to dismiss our struggles by blaming them on stress or just a bad day. However, there comes a point when those struggles begin to affect our daily lives, relationships, and overall well-being. Seeking professional advice may be the best course of action at that point.
This week, our “Mental health is important” series, we spoke to experts Snigdha Samantray, Clinical Psychologist, Mave Health; Someone who explained when to seek mental health treatment.
persistent sadness or anxiety
“It’s normal to feel sad or anxious from time to time, but if those feelings persist for weeks or months, it could be a sign of a more serious problem,” Samantray says. . If you find yourself constantly overwhelmed by feelings of sadness, worry, or fear, therapy can help uncover the root cause and develop coping strategies.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), difficulty controlling emotions is a serious symptom for people with mood and anxiety disorders.
Physical symptoms without a medical explanation
Chronic headaches, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, or other physical symptoms that persist despite a medical diagnosis may be signs of an underlying mental health problem. Therapy can help explore the mind-body connection and address the psychological factors that cause physical discomfort.
Also read: Mental health matters: Experts explain the role of mood stabilizers in bipolar depression
difficult to cope with stress
“Life is full of stressors, but if you find it increasingly difficult to cope with everyday stressors like work deadlines, family conflicts or financial pressures, therapy may give you the tools to manage stress more effectively,” Samantray adds.
Changes in sleep or appetite
Significant changes in sleeping or eating patterns may indicate an underlying mental health issue. Insomnia, oversleeping, loss of appetite, overeating – these changes can be signs that you need professional help.
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Mental health problems can impair cognitive function, making it difficult to concentrate, remember things, and make decisions. If you always feel foggy or indecisive, therapy can help improve your mental clarity and decision-making ability.
Also read: Mental health issues: Experts list what you need to know before getting tested for depression
drug abuse
Turning to alcohol, drugs, or other substances as a means of coping with emotional distress is a red flag for an underlying mental health problem. Treatment can help address the root causes of substance abuse and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
social withdrawal
“If you find yourself withdrawing from social activities you once enjoyed or avoiding socializing with friends and family, it could be a sign of depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns. Therapy can help you cope with this feeling of isolation and reconnect with your support network,” Samantray emphasized.
traumatic experience
If you have experienced a traumatic event, such as abuse, assault, or the sudden loss of a loved one, therapy can help you process the trauma and overcome the emotional pain that comes with it.
Interference with daily life
After all, if your mental health issues are interfering with your ability to perform daily activities such as work, school, relationships, etc., that’s a clear sign that you need professional help.
“Additionally, experiencing intense and overwhelming emotions, such as outbursts of anger, frequent crying, and emotional numbness, as well as persistent mood swings, irritability, frustration, or prolonged depression for more than two weeks. , could be an indication that professional support is needed,” Samantray said.
Message from experts
Samantray says, “It’s important to remember that seeking treatment doesn’t mean you’re weak or defective. Recognize when you need support and prioritize your mental health.” It takes courage and strength to take steps to do so.
She goes on to say, “It’s a misconception that people think that mental health therapy is only available to people who have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Mental health therapy is for everyone. It’s a great pre-emptive tool to increase your mental resilience to challenges and prepare for adversity. Even if you don’t have a diagnosed mental health disorder, you can find better solutions to life’s problems and become more prepared. I have many clients who come to me for therapy who want to make better choices and decisions.”
conclusion
Samantray says, “Therapy provides a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings, gain insight into your behavior, and learn valuable coping skills that will help you live a more fulfilling life.” If any of the above signs resonate with you, consider talking to a mental health professional as mentioned above. Therapy is healing. This is the first step towards growth.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you are dealing with any mental health issues to get the necessary treatment.]
