FEW SIGNS SUGGESTING YOU NEED COUNSELING

Most of us face periods of stress, anxiety, grief and conflict. So how do you know when it’s time to fix an appointment with a therapist?

Sometimes the signs for requiring help are visible but at other times, it might not be that apparent. Then, abruptly, one day you realize that life has become uncontrollable. Before it reaches to this crux, here are Seven signs that suggest you may need help from a counselor/therapist:

1. Uncontrollable negative feelings– Are you overcome with gloomy thoughts and feelings? These may be signs of a mental health issue that can improve with treatment. These feelings rise to the point that you question whether life is worth living. When you face such recurrent pessimistic thoughts, reach out for help right away.

2. Feeling disconnected from previously beloved activities –  You have stopped participating in activities that used to give you happiness, LIKE, socializing with friends and family, doing hobbies, etc. Why? It can that painful emotions are preventing you from being worry-free and hence, you have lost the will to live.

3. Abusing a substance for coping – When you find yourself using the help of any substance – alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, even FOOD, it can lead to addictive behavior. You need to know what's causing you to need that very substance.

4. Your close ones are suggesting it -Your friends or family is telling you that you are acting distant or you are unable to arrest your negative emotions. Thus, it’s worth considering the perspectives of those around you.

5. Something distressing has happened – Painful events like death of a family member, a breakup or job loss brings forward a lot of suffering. We tend to believe that these feelings are going to go away with time, which isn’t always the result.

6. Job/academic stress- Grief from any traumatic event can affect daily functioning and even cause you to withdraw from job/academic duties. If you notice you aren’t engaged in work like before, or you are burying yourself more with work, it’s time to seek guidance.

7. Poor physical health-You are facing recurrent headaches, stomach-aches, frequent colds or in short, poor immunity system. Mind and body has a close connection. Thus, stress can reflect itself in the form of a wide range of health issues.

It is normal to feel apprehensive about seeing a counselor for the first time. The toughest part is accepting the fact that you require help. But, it’s important to remember that sometimes, time heals all wounds and you are able to handle the situation on your own, while other times, it’s necessary to seek help. 

Let me mention the three most important benefits of counselling:

• Discussing your condition to someone neutral, can provide you a new frame of reference.
• Speaking up with a trained counselor, who is equipped with the skills of listening  and patience, can help you to process difficult thoughts and feelings.
• You can gain a clear understanding of what you desire and require.

We, therapists are more than happy to sit there with you and hear it.

:)