Why would I want to talk to a stranger about my problems? How in the world is therapy going to help me? I am beyond fixing!
A family doctor or physician is able to aid and fix issues with your physical body. Seems like common knowledge and should be no big deal, right? Well, why is it that mental health issues are not seen in the same light as other physical health issues? I sometimes asks myself this question all the time. I wonder why we don’t include regular mental health awareness as apart of the learning curriculum within schools.
As women, we are already viewed as mentally unstable especially during that time of the month. But once I realized that I can’t do this by myself, I was then able to accept the fact that is okay to not be okay.
I am going to provided some helpful tips how to search for a professional, that can help you and your specific needs.
RESEARCH AND RECOURSES
The first step might be the hardest step but once you get the ball rolling its tough to stop. I believe the simplest thing, would be to start by visiting your primary care doctor.
They will be able to provide you with the different types of medications designed to assist with mental health issues. Also if additional help is needed they will be able to refer you to a specialist that will best fit you and you needs.
Doing your own independent research can be beneficial as well. Trying finding out what your specific needs are by writing down your issues and symptoms. I only mention this because there are so many different types of doctors and specialist that will cater to the many categories of mental illness. I felt silly not knowing there was a difference between psychologist and psychiatrist.
Per Merriam-Webster Dictionary a psychologist is:
a person who specializes in the study of mind and behavior or in the treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders : a specialist in psychology.
Once you have a general idea of what kind 0f provider or specialist you might need, it will be a lot less overwhelming experience.
IN-PERSON VERUS VIRTUAL APPOINTMENT
With constant advancements in technology, there are many methods to receiving help. Long gone are the days of sitting in a leather lounge chair within the well it therapist’s office, whilst they asks you, “How does that make you feel?” Now in retrospect, this particular opinion of in person therapy is still available, but with mobile apps and other online services, the options are endless. If the idea of sitting in the waiting room of their office, freaks you out, then virtual appointments would be a great place to start. You can be in your own environment and still be able to express your concerns through a web cam.
SETTING THE FIRST APPOINTMENT
Making the therapy appointment can be the scariest part because it is the physical act of accepting that you need help. You are putting yourself out there, completely vulnerable, to a total stranger and that takes a lot of courage. But once you actually do it you should feel so relived because you are taking the steps to recovery for your mental well being.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Once you decide what direction you want to go in, try to make a list of your personal goals. Creating a plan of action will help out a bunch. It takes the fear out of the unknown and the ‘what if’ thoughts in your head. Taking the steps to improve your mental health, should feel so empowering and not anything to be ashamed of. You might surprised, how good it will feel by just scheduling your first therapy session.
