World Mental Health Day: 5 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before I Started Therapy
With the rise of awareness about mental health, people, especially the younger generation has gotten more open to seeking therapy and prioritising their mental health the way physical health has always been. And as someone who is currently going through therapy AND has had been through more than 1 therapist, I feel like there is a lot that goes into mental health care that we are unaware of. I, for one, genuinely wish that I had been informed of some of the things that I should expect when seeking therapy and how to go about it as it would have made the process so much easier for me. And because I ain’t a gatekeeper, I will impart some of my gyaan from my own mental health journey and tell you the 5 things you should know about before starting therapy.
1. Finding the right therapist is important
Not every therapist will be right for you. Depending on factors such as their therapy methods, your compatibility with them, your needs etc, you might need to change therapists more than once until you find one that works for you. While it can seem tedious, keep going. As Dr. Jug said, it is like finding the right chair.
Also Read: Twitter Users Share Mental Health Advice If You’re Too Broke To Pay For A Therapist. But Why Is Therapy So Expensive?
2. Honesty is the best policy
Never lie to your therapist! There is absolutely no point in seeking therapy if you won’t be 100% honest with your therapist. While it is hard to open up and not worry about judgment, know that your therapist isn’t there to judge you but to understand your perspective and feelings and help you accordingly.
3. You can give your therapist feedback
If something your therapist says doesn’t work for you, be honest about it. Again, remember that they are there to help you. There is no right or wrong in therapy and no one size fits all. If something doesn’t work for you, then tell your therapist so that they can figure an alternative which does.
4. Consistency is key
Remember: Therapy isn’t the same as taking pills for a physical ailment. It won’t work immediately and will take some time to improve your mental health. Moreover, it won’t work instantly and you will have to remain patient with it.
Also Read: On World Mental Health Day, Here’s An Appreciation Post For The Effort Bollywood Has Taken To Break The Stigmas Around It
5. Therapy Will Usually start with information gathering sessions
Therapy usually begins with your therapist taking the first 2-3 sessions to get to know and understand you. Don’t get impatient and start wondering why they aren’t giving you any solid feedback yet. Give them time to get to know you so that they give opinions that actually suit you.
So these are the few things you should know before starting therapy. Mental health care is a long and winding journey but equally as rewarding. And if you are struggling and yet putting in efforts to improve your mental health, you are doing great!
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