It’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Which makes this a good time to address the myth that keeps a lot of people from ever making the call.
Many wonder, do you need therapy if you are not in crisis? The answer may surprise you.
The Myth:
Therapy is for people in serious crisis or with major mental illness. If you’re mostly functioning, you don’t need it.
The Fact:
Most people in therapy are functioning just fine. They’re going because they want to understand themselves better, work through a difficult relationship, manage stress before it becomes something bigger, or simply stop carrying something alone. You don’t have to hit rock bottom to benefit. Research consistently shows therapy is effective for a wide range of concerns, from everyday stress to significant mental health conditions.
Scientific Takeaway:
Waiting for a crisis to seek support is a bit like waiting for chest pain before you start paying attention to your heart. Prevention counts. So does growth.
Final Words:
You do not have to be falling apart to ask for help putting things together. It may surprise you to hear that one of the best times to go to therapy is when things are going well.
Whether things are in crisis or going well, it’s always an opportunity to connect with a therapist and ask about the potentials.
Sources:
- American Psychological Association. Understanding psychotherapy and how it works. https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/understanding
- National Institute of Mental Health. Psychotherapies. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies