When Is A Good Time To See A Therapist?

Here are some examples of times in your life when it would be good to see a therapist

After A Breakup Or Divorce

The end of a relationship or a marriage can trigger feelings of grief, guilt, anger, sadness, shame and fear. Talking with a therapist can help you learn to manage these feelings and move forward with the next phase of your life.

When You're Self-Medicating

Almost everyone uses something to calm themselves down after a hard day; a glass of wine or a beer, a cigarette, a slice of cake, even a recreational drug. But if you notice yourself leaning on your calming habit more frequently, you might actually be self-medicating, which means it could be a good time to see a therapist.

When You Find Yourself Avoiding Difficult Situations Or Tasks

Procrastination is one thing, But if you're unwilling to start a task because it seems overwhelming, or you avoid potentially awkward conversations or situations that might reveal your imagined or real shortcomings, you may be practising avoidance coping. Working with a therapist can help you learn to identify this practice and then overcome it.

When You Have Experienced A Loss

Grieving any loss can leave you with overwhelming and debilitating emotions, choosing to see a therapist can be particularly helpful at these times.

When Others Express Their Concern About You

Sometimes you don't realise that you need help coping with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues; but a friend, partner or family member, or co-worker might tell you how worried they are about you, ask you if something is going on, or wonder how they can help. That's a sign it could be a good time to see a therapist.

When Anxiety Negatively Affects Your Daily Life

Everyone feels anxious sometimes, before public speaking or the first day of a new job, for example. But if constant anxiety is affecting your sleep, making you want to skip work, school or events because you don't want to go out or see people, or affecting your life in other ways, a therapist can offer coping strategies and support.