There are many, many reasons why an individual may need to see a therapist, but there’s no guarantee that the South Africans who need help will seek it out. In fact, as the Sunday Times reported, more than third of South Africans may suffer from a mental disorder, but 75% of those people won’t seek any sort of treatment to help improve their problem.
Of course, not everybody needs to seek professional help. Life is tough, and can get us all down from time to time. There’s no shame in enduring a period of stress – we all get them, and yours may pass without any need for intervention. It’s knowing when you do really need help that is important. Prolonged episodes of stress, unhappiness, or a whole host of other issues may mean that you’re suffering from an issue that can only be resolved by talking it through with an expert. In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the red flags that may suggest you need to find a therapist.
Substance Abuse
Many people enjoy a drop of alcohol, and some people enjoy using drugs recreationally, but some people need drink and use drugs so much that they can’t function without their illicit substances. If you find yourself drinking to excess or using harder drugs, then this is a big clue that something is wrong. Even if you manage to kick your habit, you’ll be much healthier in the long run if you confront the issue that led you to abuse in the first place. Finding a therapist when you are an addict isn’t always easy, as some professionals tend to focus on the abuse rather than the underlying issue. Keep looking until you find one who treats you as a whole person and not just as your addiction.
Your Passions Don’t Make You Happy Anymore
Not gaining the same enjoyment from the activities you used to enjoy could be a sign that you’re suffering from long-term depression, especially if you haven’t replaced the lost activities with new ones you enjoy. The chances are that you do actually still enjoy these activities, you’ve just lost your way slightly – and may have an undiagnosed mental condition. Speaking to a therapist can ‘reset’ some of the emotional burdens you’ve been carrying. If you’ve not noticed that you’ve been depressed then it may be a straightforward case that could do wonders for your happiness.
Outside Perspective
You may be going through life thinking nothing is wrong, but other people close to you can notice. If you’re told by people you trust that you’re acting out of character in a harmful way, take it as a sign that something is wrong. In some cases, the last person to know how bad things are is the person it is happening to. Your friends and family can offer advice, but they can’t substitute the expertise of a professional therapist – and anyway, you’ll only really feel you can open up about the things that are bothering you to a friendly, professional stranger.
Suicidal Ideation
Thinking about suicide, or death in general, is not normal and should be dealt with quickly. Even if you feel a far way from actually committing any harm to yourself, the thoughts alone should signal that you need to see a professional. Life isn’t always a joyous, wonderful adventure, but if it’s beginning to feel like it can never be that way then something is wrong. The thought of suicide is often just a momentary consideration, but it’s best to take care of the thought before it can develop into something more serious. If you begin to think about it seriously, bypass the therapist entirely and go straight to the hospital.
Life Is Becoming Too Much
You don’t have to be in dire straits to see a therapist. Life asks a lot of us, and there’s nothing wrong with wanting to speak to someone just as a way to get some perspective on life and take some of the pressure away. If the stresses and strains of your life are allowed to grow unchecked then you could end up in a situation where it is a more serious problem. Speak to someone before it gets to that stage and get back to your very best.