According to a new report from Mental Health America, the number of people in the United States who are looking for help with mental illnesses like anxiety and depression has increased dramatically.
In 2020, for example, the organization saw a 93 percent increase in the number of people taking its anxiety screen and a 62 percent increase in the number of people taking its depression screen.
Many people are struggling with their mental health issues and know, deep down, that it’s time to seek help. At the same time, though, there are also plenty of people who are on the fence about finding a therapist.
For those who are unsure of whether or not they could benefit from talking to a therapist, the following guidelines can help them to make the right decision for coping with their specific life challenges.
Table of Contents
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Signs It’s Time to Talk to a Therapist
How to Choose the Right Type of Therapy
Seek Help for Mental Illness Today
References
Signs It’s Time to Talk to a Therapist
It’s not always easy to tell whether or not it would be beneficial to seek counseling and talk to a therapist when struggling with a mental health issue. The following are some of the most common signs that therapy might be a good option:
Prolonged Feelings of Sadness or Helplessness
According to the American Psychological Association, experiencing prolonged feelings of sadness or helplessness is a major sign it’s time to seek out help from a therapist. These feelings are particularly common among those who are struggling with depression, and a therapist can offer guidance to help the client get to the bottom of what’s causing them.
Difficulty Concentrating
The National Institute of Mental Health reports that people who struggle with depression (as well as anxiety and other mental health conditions) often have trouble concentrating at work or school. They may have difficulties remembering things or making decisions, too, and they may get frustrated or overwhelmed more easily than they once did.
If a person’s mental health is starting to affect their productivity and performance at work or school, that’s a sign that they need to seek professional help.
Excessive Worry
Persistent and excessive worry, particularly in situations that are not considered threatening, is a hallmark of anxiety disorders like Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and phobias. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness