Gone are the days of long couches and condescending shrinks: Therapy is in, ladies. Psychotherapy has become a common remedy to relieve stress, anxiety or depression for any woman dealing with life’s blunders and blows. It’s a way to communicate, a way to express, a way to be heard.
Despite its growing popularity, a strong stigma still surrounds therapy, partially due to the many countless misconceptions perpetuated by the media. According to American Psychological Association (APA), there are seven common myths about psychotherapy.
On the top of the list? Shrinks are reserved for “crazy” people suffering from psychological disorders. While men and women dealing with mental illness should never be labeled as “crazy,” turns out therapy is a valuable resource for undiagnosed individuals as well.
“People seek psychotherapy for a range of reasons in everyday life,” APA said via their website. “Some pursue psychotherapy for treatment of depression, anxiety or substance abuse. But others want help coping with major life transitions or changing problem behaviors.” Therapy can even extend to those who need help managing the burdens of life, work and family.
Even when you see some of these parallels plaguing your own life, it can be hard to admit you need therapy. If you were taught to “suck it up” growing up, you may think your problems don’t warrant an office visit and opt to handle them on your own. Before signing up for an appointment, people often try other tactics, including talking with loved ones or just trying harder.
Dialing your mom’s number or setting up a coffee date with your best friend are healthy ways to feel supported. Similarly, maintaining a positive attitude can help lift your spirits and dig you out of any ditches. But while those strategies are significant starting points, they may not be enough to get you through a really rough patch. Sure, your loved ones offer comfort, but they also may give you biased feedback or feel drained after you vent. And yes, your forced smile may help you get through the day, but it probably won’t survive the year.
That’s where therapy comes in.
There are over nine varieties of psychotherapy available to you, according to National Institute for Mental Health, ranging from cognitive behavioral to interpersonal therapy. A therapist can fill in the gaps by offering an objective third party perspective backed by expert knowledge gained from years of training. Therapy comes in all shapes and sizes to handle the diversity of personalities and issues that every person experiences in life.
Lindsay Holmes of Huffington Post points out that therapy can help you handle various emotions, even if they aren’t dramatically life-altering or traumatic. Additionally, seeking a professional can help you dissect a problem you are struggling with by helping you learn about perspective.
Dr. David Spiegel, M.D., associate chair of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University, tells Huffington Post that we should be open to seeking professional guidance on our emotional health. “We’re social creatures, fundamentally, so talking to people can be a real source of support and help,” says Spiegel.
Still don’t feel like talking to a professional? Innovative forms of therapy, such as creative arts and animal-assistance, have emerged in conjunction with more traditional methods.
If you’re one of the independent #WomenThatDo, you may feel uncomfortable admitting that you need help. Just remember that everyone needs a hand once in a while – no matter how strong you are.
From rejection letters to romantic breakups, life throws a lot at us. Don’t put your mind on the back burner; your mental health is just as important as your physical well-being. Reach out to resources online or in your community when you’re struggling and feeling overwhelmed.
