So many of us find it hard to ask for help. We let our own suppositions get in the way of doing what should be natural.
by Carmen Catterfield, MA, Honeybee Healing & Counseling Services
My problems aren’t that bad — People often convince themselves that their pain is somehow not important or big enough to deserve attention.
But, similar to a medical diagnosis, when we leave our emotional struggles untreated, they can escalate into something much more serious. Seeking someone to talk to can be an important preventative measure.
Asking for help means I’ve failed to fix it on my own — This is a big one. Going to therapy is often associated with words like “weakness” or “failure.” Almost everywhere else in our lives we will hire someone to help us complete a task that we don’t know how to do, and yet we treat mental health differently.
Therapists are simply people trained to deal with emotional stressors and they can help you manage them, similarly to the way a doctor would treat an illness.
I don’t know where to start — Even if you are ready to seek help, it can feel overwhelming. Psychology Today has an easily-accessible online database that allows you to search for therapists in your area. It also offers filter options, so you can find a clinician who works specifically with the issue you are struggling with, as well as making sure they take your insurance.
I can’t afford it — This may be a very tangible barrier for some. Many therapists work on a sliding scale, which you can ask about when you make an initial appointment. Also, due to COVID-19, most insurance companies have waived fees for teletherapy appointments. And finally, online platforms like Talkspace or BetterHelp counseling offer more affordable access to a variety of mental health services you can access from home.
The process of starting therapy is never easy, but it is always worth it.