5 Reasons Everybody Can Benefit from Therapy
According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the US, affecting 18.1% of the US adult population. Nearly 1 in 5 adults in the US will develop major depressive disorder at some point in their lives, and rates of depression have been rising among adolescents as well. Millions of Americans cannot access mental health assistance, and millions more suffer from mental disorders without a proper diagnosis.
Now, more than ever, it’s important to take care of your mental well-being. Luckily, therapy is one of the most common and accessible ways to address your mental health concerns. There are various types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy. Finding the right therapist for you, as well as the right type of therapy, is an important step towards addressing your health needs.
So let’s review the benefits of therapy, and why everyone should consider finding a therapist that fits their wants and needs.
1. You don’t need a diagnosed mental illness to go to therapy
Therapy is for anyone and everyone, regardless of their age, past experiences, or medical history. While there are certain therapies designed to address symptoms of mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, you can also seek our marriage and family therapy, or art therapy, to help you cope with personal problems. When you set up a therapist appointment, you are creating a space for a trained professional to listen to your personal struggles. Therapists can teach you the tools you need to be a better version of yourself.
2. Therapy strengthens your communication skills
Attending regular therapy sessions can help you develop communication skills. When you first meet your therapist, they will likely encourage you to introduce yourself, and to have a vulnerable, honest conversation about what you are struggling with. Therapy requires you to open up and voice your feelings out loud. Speaking with a therapist on a regular basis can teach you how to interact with people, describe your experiences, and communicate your needs. This will train you to be an effective communicator, no matter what job you have.
3. Therapy helps you develop healthy coping skills
Not only can therapy make you a better communicator, but therapy can also teach you new coping skills. If you are feeling symptoms of stress and anxiety, for example, you might be tempted to turn towards drugs and alcohol. However, a professional therapist will help you develop healthy, positive coping mechanisms, such as exercise, meditation, and journaling.
4. Therapy can help you develop a stronger sense of self
It can be easy to list out your favorite foods, TV shows, or travel destinations. However, it’s much more challenging to pinpoint the values you most honor, or the type of person you want to become. One of the best parts of attending therapy is learning more about yourself. When you speak with a therapist, you will uncover layers of your conscious and subconscious mind; you can reflect on previous experiences, and move on from past traumas--even the ones that you’ve suppressed for years. Attending therapy can help you “find” yourself, while beginning your journey towards self-healing.
5. Therapy’s benefits are backed by science
Historically, the word “therapy” has been surrounded by negative stereotypes: “if you attend therapy, then there’s something wrong with you,” or “therapy is only for people with no friends.” These harmful stigmas about therapy are complete myths. In reality, the benefits of therapy are grounded in science and research. Regular therapy sessions can reduce blood pressure, reduce stress, and boost mood for the long-term. Normalizing therapy is beneficial for all, regardless of your medical history or current medical diagnosis.
You should always strive to take care of yourself, no matter how old you are, where you live, or what you’re currently going through. Taking the leap to sign up for therapy can feel like a huge decision, but the mental and emotional benefits of therapy are endless. Once you find the right therapist, you will be on track to become a better, stronger version of yourself. Sign up for a free consultation with YouTime Online. Our professional therapists are here to listen, here to help, in your time.