It’s okay to get help! Some of us think that if we need to ask for help we are weak. Others believe that nobody can help, so don’t even try.
The truth is we all need a little help sometimes!
I have lived with depression for some time, and I want to let others know, who may be suffering in silence, that there is help out there. It can be in the form of friends, family, online information, and/or professional assistance. I have seen social workers and psychologists in the past, and have found their services can be very useful. You may think that talking to a stranger is too daunting, but don’t let fear prevent you from getting help and support.
If you decide to see a therapist or counsellor, you will be in a professional environment where there is complete confidentiality, and sound advice and methods to help your situation improve.
Some of the benefits of seeing a therapist or counsellor are:
- What you talk about is completely confidential
- You can be given useful techniques and methods to try
- You can talk about things you don’t want to discuss with people who you know
- You may learn about yourself
- There are no minimum sessions
I spoke with Beth Levine who is an Independent Practitioner based in Maryland USA:
Beth is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with over 10 years of experience counselling couples and individual adults. She has seen first-hand how people can overcome obstacles and turn their lives around.
Beth provided some very useful information on finding the right therapist, and an example of when it’s important to speak up.
“When choosing a therapist it is very important that you feel like it is a good fit. Do you feel comfortable with this person? Does this person understand you? Whatever it is that you want to work on in therapy, the relationship you have with your therapist – the safety, acceptance, and support – is key.” – Beth Levine
The first time you go to a therapist it may not be easy to open up. You may feel nervous, ashamed, embarrassed, shy, fidgety, and emotional. It is normal to feel this way. I know I experienced most of the above, and I was so anxious about my first appointment I almost didn’t go, but I’m glad I did!
As I went to further sessions, I began to build a relationship with the therapist, and I started to enjoy going, as I knew I’d feel good afterwards. My advice: Don’t give up on therapy before you’ve given it a chance. It can provide relief and a new perspective. After a few sessions I felt as though a weight had been lifted from my chest and shoulders.
“Sometimes it might not be a good fit with the therapist. You’ll have to decide whether to try another session or try another therapist. When looking for a therapist, it is okay to make an appointment with a couple of different people to find the therapist who seems like the best fit for you.”
I found that I was more comfortable with female therapists, and the closer to home it was, the better I felt about going to the session. It’s important to remember that it’s your choice, and you’re getting help so that you can have a better quality of life.
“After you find a therapist who is a good fit for you, chances are there will be some hurt or misunderstanding that arises. I encourage you to bring it up with your therapist so you have a chance to work it out. The two of you will learn from talking through your hurt.” – Beth Levine
I also found that the more honest and open I was with my therapist, the more I got out of the sessions. If I needed to clarify or explain things I thought could be misinterpreted, I did, and if I didn’t want to talk about a particular thing I’d ask if we can come back to it in another session. I would always go at my own pace.
Beth’s Blog:
To hear more from Beth you can you can visit her blog ‘On Being: Lessons I Learn From Animals’: www.onbeinglifelessons.com
Her professional blog is about life and relationships. Beth has a gift for storytelling in a fun way that you can relate to.
It’s okay to get help!
Everyone needs help at some stage in their life, and different things work for different people. I found writing to be therapeutic, and it also gets things off your mind onto paper, which can be a powerful tool if you have too much on your mind, especially if it’s negative thoughts.
To access helpful mental health online resources please click here
If you would like to read my poems and writings you can access them here
