Recognizing When to
Consider Counseling:
Five Signs
It’s Time to Reach Out

Making the decision to seek therapy or counseling can be a difficult first step. Though we know this may not really be the first step you take towards your mental wellness, it can be seen as a great proactive step to take to learn strategies and ways to navigate this hectic life. With the increase in access to online counseling, also known as teletherapy or telemental health, engaging in therapy does not seem so unattainable.

So, what do people think about counseling? Often therapy is viewed as being a positive added element to manage our day to day lives, even if you are not going through an active crisis, counseling can help. For some the stigma attached to therapy is still alive and well, this often prevents some individuals from seeking the help they need, for fear of being labeled that awful word “crazy”.

Here are five signs it might be time to consider therapy:

  1. You’re Distressed: The feeling of misery and defeat no matter what you do to change your circumstance can occur for many reasons. Sometimes life changing events or even ongoing issues can become too heavy of a load to bear all on your own. You may be coping with changes in your life, whether they are large or small changes it can be extremely challenging and overwhelming to go it alone. Often if we allow these events to continue without taking the steps towards seeking outside assistance this can develop into depression and anxiety.
  2. You Experience Mood Swings: All of us experience mood swings from time to time. Though if you begin to notice that your mood swings are persistent and more intense and have begun to impact your daily functioning and quality of life, it may be best to seek outside professional support. Seeking help early on can make a big difference in helping you learn ways to manage your varying emotions.
  3. You’re Engaging in Substance Abuse: Often when we are stressed you mind finding yourself using substances as a means to cope with emotional distress. If you are finding that your alcohol use, drug use, risk taking behaviors, or over/under eating has increased, it may be time to seek professional help. We often use substances to mask our emotions and when we find that our behaviors have increased this is a tell-tale sign that additional support is needed.
  4. You Feel Alone and Isolated: Many of us have busy lives and interact with others often, but when you begin to notice that you feel alone even when you are surrounded by others, there may be some other things going on below the surface that you just can’t put your finger on. We often feel this way when our trusted support systems are also struggling and experiencing life changing events, which then leaves you in need of emotional support.
  5. You’ve Exhausted Self-Help Options: Self- help options are always our go to means of managing distress and challenges in our lives, however sometimes we may find that those strategies are just not working at the moment. Some conditions such as anxiety and depression could be creeping in, and that is the time to get assistance from a professional who is able to provide tailor made interventions that work for you.

Navigating life’s challenges and emotions is not an easy task. If you find that you are feeling weighed down by the many pressures of life and feeling overwhelmed while struggling to cope, seeking help is the best thing you can do for yourself. Carolina Counseling Services – Cameron, NC, offers both in-person and online counseling options to suit your preferences. Reach out to us to schedule an appointment and take the step toward feeling better.

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