For many generations society has seen therapy as a sign of weakness.  This stigma couldn’t be further from the truth.  Recognizing when it is needed and seeking therapy actually takes an incredible amount of courage and strength.  To realize that you need therapy requires self-awareness and the willingness to confront challenges to better yourself as a person.  It takes a strong person to recognize their weaknesses and ask for help when this is necessary. It is important that we break down some of these barriers so that even more people who would benefit from therapy feel free to seek out professional help.

There is strength in admitting that you are vulnerable and that you need help.  It takes a lot of courage to admit when you cannot handle everything or that you need help.  There isn’t anything more courageous than seeking therapy when life has become too challenging, and you need some help and support navigating your way.

The Importance of Normalizing Mental Health Discussions

By normalizing therapy and mental health discussions, we can begin to break down the stigma that is associated with this.  Prioritizing mental health, which often takes a backburner, as just as important as your physical health, is key to helping normalize this in society.  We can do this by making mental health discussions a regular thing in our lives, from sharing our therapy journey to prioritizing mental healthcare.  Sharing these experiences openly with others can help to make this normal and widely accepted in society. 

Being open about your mental health experiences and therapy experiences can help to normalize this amongst your friends and family.  Too often people try to keep their therapy experiences a secret.  Without providing details, you can share with family and friends how therapy has been an important part of your self-improvement and your journey.  These discussions may encourage your loved ones that would benefit to also seek therapy when difficult times arise.

Therapy Gives You Coping Skills to Navigate Life’s Challenges

There are so many advantages to therapy for everyone.  Being able to talk with a professional through difficult situations and challenges in life can offer plenty of benefits for everyone.  A therapist can provide a fresh perspective on the situation, offering useful insight and suggestions.  When life becomes challenging, as it does for everyone at one time or another, a therapist can help you with the coping tools to navigate these difficulties.  Having a toolset for dealing with challenges in a healthy manner will go a long way to fostering personal growth, making you a happier, well-adapted person.

Therapy can make a big difference in every aspect of your life.  From making you happier and better adjusted to giving you the coping skills to endure challenges, the strength of seeking help is a brave first step.  As we talk more about our own therapy experiences, we will be able to break down the negative stereotype that goes along with mental health therapy, creating a happier and better-adjusted society as a whole.