Your mental health is vital and it can make all the difference knowing when you need help. There are many reasons why you may struggle with your mental health; stress, depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders. Regardless of the reason, there are always telling signs you need a therapist.
At MindMD, we want to extend a helping hand without the negative stigma of reaching out for help. If you spot the signs you need therapy, we’re just a call away from making sure you get to a better place, mentally and physically. Therapy has been proven to help people overcome their struggles and can help you learn the necessary tools for coping with certain conditions and symptoms. We’ll be taking a look at some of the telling signs you need therapy or help from a professional.
What is Therapy?
Therapy is a tool that is used for many different conditions, including addiction, mental health, and other situations as well. Therapy typically involves speaking with a professional therapist and pinpointing specific topics. There are several different forms of therapy, each with its own methods and techniques. At MindMD, we offer several different options when it comes to this.
Therapy allows you to speak your mind in a safe and open environment. Individual therapy is widely used as having you speak with a professional therapist in a 1-on-1 setting. During the process, you are given the chance to build a strong relationship with your therapist with a steady and effective routine. There is also group therapy available, which uses the same fundamentals, except in a group setting with others in the same boat. This can build a sense of community and trust as well. Therapy continues to be an excellent tool for overcoming a wide range of mental disorders, or feelings.
Why is Therapy Important?
It’s important to be able to ask for help if you are struggling. Oftentimes, people are hesitant to reach out for a helping hand however this should never be the case. We want to get rid of that negative stigma associated with mental health and reach out for help, it should never be seen as a sign of weakness and it can make all the difference in your life. Therapy is important because it uses evidence-based methods to help a person deal with and improve their situation. Therapy has been used for decades and continues to be an effective method of treatment.
Should I go to Therapy? – The Telling Signs
There are signs that you may need to speak to a therapist. If you or a loved one is showcasing any of these signs, we’re ready to help you at MindMD. Let’s take a look at 10 signs and what they mean.
1. Sudden Changes in Appetite
One of the telling signs that you may need to talk to a therapist is a sudden change in appetite. Have you lost your appetite and are eating less? Are you eating more than usual? In many cases, a sudden change in your eating habits can signify a coping mechanism for stress or other mental disorders.
2. Changes in Sleeping Patterns (or Trouble Sleeping)
Having trouble sleeping or suffering from insomnia is a common sign if you are struggling with depression or anxiety. Additionally, if you are waking up very early every day, this could also be a sign that you need to speak with a therapist. Sleep disturbances and frequent nightmares are also signs that you may be suffering from anxiety or post-traumatic stress.
3. Irritability
One of the big signs that you may need support is irritability and anger. This includes being short with friends and family, along with a struggle to find compassion. If you are not normally like this and have found that you’ve been more argumentative and on edge, this may be a sign that you need help. Being unsympathetic or placing blame/projecting on others can not only damage relationships but also indicates that there may be something deeper going on.
4. Changes in Mood (Too Much or Not Enough)
Perhaps the most telling sign on this list is changing your mood. Feeling negative on more days than not can be a strong indicator that you may need some extra support. This also includes the other end of the spectrum as well, feeling good mentally is great but it’s important to make sure that it isn’t driving wrong/negative decisions. It’s important to keep an eye on mood changes, especially if they are drastic and sudden.
5. Excessive Fear or Anxiety
When experiencing anxiety or when you are dealing with stress, you may experience signs of worry, panic, and other psychological signs of fear. While certain signs of anxiety can be motivating for you, this can end up doing a lot more harm than good when it comes to anxiety. Ultimately, these signs outweigh the cost of anxiety when it comes to your wellbeing. These constant sensations and feelings of fear can indicate a deeper problem and signs that you need therapy.
6. Struggling to Find Purpose and Self-identity
Another overlooked sign that you may need to speak to a professional is self-esteem issues. When you are dealing with your mental health, you may talk negatively about yourself, your body, and imagine in general. This also includes a failure to find your purpose, particularly feelings of hopelessness in your life. These are common signs of depression, anxiety, and stress in general. While thinking negatively or overthinking certain things happens to all of us, it’s important to make sure it isn’t affecting your self-esteem and overall image of yourself.
7. Troubles in Your Relationships
As an external sign, you may find yourself withdrawn from those with whom you normally interact and care about. This feeling of being disconnected can be a huge sign that extra help is needed. Avoiding people or relationships while feeling guilty about it and feeling bad about missing out can be one of the telling signs you need a therapist.
8. Changes in Behavior
Browsing the web or having a drink now and again is normal but if these have become habits of escaping reality, there may be a bigger problem at hand. If you are frequently indulging in certain habits to avoid stress or things that are weighing you down, this can be a problem. Too much of anything can end up being a problem or a sign of something deeper. Keep tabs on screen time, drinking patterns, and other habits that may be used to ‘escape’.
9. Struggling to Bounce Back or Stay Motivated
Getting back up after feeling down is normal but if it is a struggle and you are having a hard time, it may be time to reach out for help. Bouncing back can come in many forms but sometimes certain stresses and conditions can make it hard to do just that. Even with resilience, you may find it hard to get back up. This is one of the many signs that you may need professional help.
10. Experiencing the Physical Signs of Stress
When you are experiencing stress or other conditions, you may physically feel certain symptoms. Symptoms and effects vary from person to person but it’s important to look out for these. Symptoms could include muscle cramps, headaches, stomach aches, and other feelings. The body has a way of telling us something is wrong and this includes your mental health as well. This is not just for adults but children as well. If you are experiencing physical symptoms on a regular basis as a symptom of stress, anxiety, or depression; don’t be afraid to reach out.
Urgent Care for Your Mental Health
At MindMD, we offer walk-ins for all your needs. If you or a loved one need to speak with a professional therapist, we are available at all times. You will feel welcomed and safe in our treatment facility. We offer a variety of therapy treatment methods at MindMD, each catered to you and your loved one’s needs. You should not feel afraid or hesitant to get quality help.
We offer several programs and a physiatric evaluation to make sure that you or your loved ones get the quality care you deserve. Our team is dedicated to making sure that you are able to open up without having to feel hesitant or scared about it. Therapy is important to us and your mental health is even more important. Give us a call today to learn more about our programs and how we can help you today!