If you're happy and you know it, go to therapy!
For too long, there's been a stigma around all things related to mental illness, but worry no more! With millennials and generation Z leading the battle to undo all the stereotypes and stigmas that past generations created, it's time we talk about how pretty much everyone can benefit from a visit to their friendly, neighborhood therapist.
Generally, and I use that loosely, people go to therapy when life has pushed them past their hard limit; here's the thing though - you don't need to get to this point to seek out help. In fact, you don't even need to be sad, depressed, or angry to see a therapist. Yes, ONE of the purposes of therapy is to help people get through massive personal issues or mental illnesses, but the truth is therapy can be used for self-improvement - improvement in terms of feeling better about yourself, feeling happier, ditching a bad habit, and more. It's a resource that more and more people are using to realize their full potential.
If you've thought about seeing a therapist, but you're having a hard time justifying it to yourself (yes this is real), here's four ways therapy can help you today:
1) It helps you de-stress and problem solve.
You know that saying about people who complain live longer lives - well, there's some merit behind that. When you get your problems and concerns out into the open, it literally helps you get things off your mind. This is also a very simple way of problem-solving. You have a person who you can bounce ideas off of, and in that way, you've essentially walked yourself through the issue. Remember, you tend to convince yourself of the worst when you're alone (alone being in your head), but when you get things out into the open, it makes things seem and feel less crazy or intense.
2) It makes things easier for those you love.
Maybe you're wondering why you wouldn't just talk to your friends about your problems. To be completely honest, we're all busy people and don't always have time to listen or help (even though we may want to). By visiting a therapist, it gives people who care about you the peace of mind that you are getting the support you need. That aside, sometimes the issue is something that many people will not see an issue with, and in that way, it may simply be easier to talk to someone who is contractually obligated to listen to your problems. AND THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT!
3) It's me-time!
From how it looks, the older we get, the less time there is for "me-time". Going to therapy is however long of purely you talking about your problems and feelings. That hour or so of one-on-one me-time can leave you incredibly relaxed, and honestly wanting more.
4) It helps organize your brain.
By having a structured time to talk to someone about your problems, it helps your brain compartmentalize and organize. This is essentially a means to prevent you from constantly stressing yourself out - you don't always need to think about your problems because there is a structured time for you to focus on your mental health.
The gist of this is, "treat yo self" to therapy boo! You deserve it!
