The Importance of Mental Health Support and Therapy
The Importance of Mental Health Support and Therapy
Over the past few years we have been fortunate to see a positive shift in the discussion surrounding mental health and its treatment. Despite these changes, there is still work to be done. There have been long standing stigmas around diagnoses such as depression and anxiety due to misunderstandings and judgements. With the progression of scientific research and social media we are starting to see this change, and great awareness is being brought to light.
While mental health illness may not negatively effect everyone during their lifetime, we now have a better understanding of just how many people are impacted by it in some way. Many of these individuals would greatly benefit from the support that different forms of therapy can provide. Today, we are going to dive into why talking about mental health is so crucial and a few of the ways that therapy can benefit everyone.
Why Therapy is Important
For a long time, it was assumed that issues surrounding mental health, and the use of therapy, only affected a small number of people. It is now widely understood that therapy is indeed for everyone, because at the end of the day, mental health is a major component of overall health and wellbeing. Mental health needs to be nurtured and taken care of as much as physical health. Below you can find some of the most prominent ways that therapy is beneficial.
Helps Develop Coping Mechanisms
It is not uncommon for people to turn to unhealthy or negative coping strategies when faced with the stressors of everyday life. Often times people seek immediate relief with outlets such as over drinking or unhealthy eating. This can turn into a vicious cycle during tough seasons of life. Attending therapy can help us gain clarity on why we turn to these methods as well as teach us healthy and constructive coping mechanisms.
Allows for New Perspectives
The perspectives that we form throughout our lives can become such a part of us that they end up affecting how we view ourselves, others, and the world around us. Working with a mental health professional can assist us with gaining new perspectives, which in turn can lead to an increased sense of empathy for others and the various circumstances we are all faced with.
Offers a Judgement-Free Zone of Support
At certain points in our life, we find ourselves turning to someone for emotional support. That person is often times a friend or loved one. While everyone should have close people in their lives that they can open up to without being judged, unfortunately that is not always the case. Those we are closest with may not have the appropriate skills or tools to best support us during these challenging times. A qualified mental health professional is able to offer their clients with a non-judgmental point of view and help the individual gain insight and clarity into the presenting problem.
Improves Our Emotional Responses
Our emotions play a major role in our everyday lives and at times they can engulf us and become overwhelming. Some individuals might have unconsciously learned negative emotional responses such as avoiding people and places, shutting down, or choosing to bottle up their emotions even further. Consistent therapy sessions can work to help us not only manage this better, but also with communicating and expressing our feelings in a healthier and more productive manner.
It is a wonderful thing that different mental health topics are coming to light and becoming more accepted and empathized with. We know that mental illness does not discriminate by any means, and that therapy is certainly not only reserved for those that have been diagnosed. Taking care of our minds is a direct form of self-care, and creating a solid and secure foundation mentally will only trickle into other facets of our lives in a positive and advantageous way.
References
https://www.goodtherapy.org/benefits-of-therapy.html