October is depression and mental health awareness month. Have you found it difficult to get excited about apple picking, chilly weather, scary movies, and pumpkin spice lattes? Maybe you’ve been feeling unmotivated, sluggish, hopeless, or have had changes in sleep or appetite. These are all common symptoms of depression. Have you given thought to the idea of going to therapy? Maybe you’ve even had friends or loved ones suggest therapy.
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THERAPY… it can be a scary word. You might have the inclination to think “I’m a strong individual. I can handle this on my own.” Or maybe you’re afraid of telling your deepest darkest secrets to a stranger. Whatever the reason, therapy can seem scary, and that makes sense. In order for therapy to work, you have to become vulnerable. You are letting down your guard and revealing your inner child who is hurt and scared already. And then, you have to actually put effort into changing and growing to better yourself. It is a daunting task.
However, therapy is incredibly beneficial. Think of it like going to a doctor, but instead of going to mend a broken bone, you are going to mend a broken mind or heart. Physiological doctors are experts in the human body. Therapists are experts at mental health. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your body; in fact they are both linked. Stress affects your body, and your body affects your stress levels. For example, depression can lead to a lack of sleep. And a lack of sleep weakens your body and you are more prone to depression. It can be a vicious cycle.
This is where therapy can break the cycle. According to Montare Behavioral Health, some benefits of counseling are “improved communication and interpersonal skills, improved self acceptance and self-esteem, capability to change self-defeating behaviors and habits, more suitable expression and management of emotions, relief from depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions, greater confidence and decision-making skills, ability to manage stress more effectively, improved abilities for problem-solving and conflict resolution.”
Going to therapy does not mean you are weak or less worthy. In fact, deciding to see a therapist shows you have courage and the desire to help yourself. That is incredible! You do not have to face your ghosts alone. Why allow yourself to continue to suffer alone when you have a whole community who is here to support you?
If you think you may be depressed, here is a link to take a quiz:
https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/depression/
You can also reach out to us at: https://www.1alliancecps.com/ and look at our FAQ sheet, or contact us directly with any questions or concerns you may have.
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