I Won't Hide the Fact That I'm In Therapy | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

I Won't Hide the Fact That I'm In Therapy

There's nothing to be ashamed of.

125
I Won't Hide the Fact That I'm In Therapy
Crosswalk.com

So I’m in therapy, and have been in therapy for a few months now. I get a little too stressed out to handle, and I have some depressive tendencies that I haven’t quite been able to conquer yet, so I’m in therapy.

And since I have been in therapy, I go to meetings and talk about things and stuff and all that jazz. And sometimes my friends will ask me to go do something with them at a time that interferes with my sessions. So I usually just tell people “sorry, I can’t go, I have therapy.” The reactions I get when people find out throw me off, though. Sometimes it seems like they are surprised to hear it. I’m not sure if they are surprised by the fact that I go to counseling or surprised by me being open about the fact that I go.

And some of my friends have said they were surprised that I just came out and said it, like it was something I wanted to hide. While I know they don’t mean any harm, it sometimes bothers me when I hear that. Wanting to hide the fact I’m in therapy makes it seem like I’m ashamed to go, when I’m not. So when people tell me they thought I would want to keep that private, I can’t tell if they are now judging me or think of me differently because they now know that I’m talking to someone about my problems.

This just makes it seem like I’m doing something wrong, when I’m not. There’s nothing wrong or to be ashamed of when it comes to any helpful form of counseling. And going to therapy doesn’t make me a freak, or suicidal, or any extremes that people usually think about when they hear someone is in therapy.

Sometimes, I just really need to talk to someone. I know that I have friends that will listen if needed, but sometimes if a topic has already been talked about enough, I don’t like to bring it back up with them again. In these cases, I tell my therapist. Same thing goes if I feel like my friends may not understand my perspective. Not saying they can’t have different opinion than me, but more so if they can’t respect that I have a different opinion than them.

Sometimes, I don’t know why I have a problem with something. My therapist is not a “lay on the couch and tell me everything” counselor. She asks me how I’m doing, if anything exciting has happened in the last week or so, how the newspaper is. Normal conversation. So sometimes I will bring up that I’ve been in a pissy mood all week, and no it’s not my period, and I don’t know why everything is bothering me.

Sometimes, I just need recommendations. I will know that I have a problem, and I will try a way to fix it that I have seen helps other people. But if that way doesn’t work for me, I’ll ask her if she can think of other things to try.

I started counseling because I’ve dealt with my own stress and tendencies for a while. They just started getting worse last April. Everything went downhill, and I was tired of trying to fix everything or be okay with everything when I wasn’t. I have stayed in counseling because I don’t need to always be okay with everything, I just need to be able to handle everything in a healthy way. That’s what I’m trying to do.

So yes, I am in therapy. And I’m open about that fact. No, I’m not going to tell people what I talk about every session. I’m not going to say that therapy is the answer for anyone with problems. But it helps me, and I’m not ashamed of that at all.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

25444
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10634
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7848
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments