Mental health struggles are plaguing modern society. And with everything going on nowadays, is it really a surprise? However, your mental health doesn’t have to be a struggle. One benefit of our modern times is that mental health is finally losing the stigma surrounding it for decades. From depression to anxiety to bipolar disorder and many more struggles, mental health is no joke. If you or a loved one is dealing with mental health problems, never be afraid to reach out and ask that important question, “Is there a counselor near me I can talk to?”
In losing the stigma, counseling, therapy, and psychiatric services have made leaps and bounds in finding the best ways to help those in need.
Counseling provides support and validation.
When you meet with a reputable, professional counselor, they’ll provide a safe, judgment-free space and warm environment for you to feel comfortable disclosing personal matters you’re struggling with. Meeting with a counselor gives you a place where you don’t have to worry about being ridiculed or put down. Instead, your emotions are validated, your situation normalized, and you can feel assured that you are not alone.
A counselor can help you overcome self-destructive habits and behaviors.
A common struggle for many people today is developing habits and behaviors that only contribute to our day-to-day problems. Counseling can help you become more self-aware in your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions surrounding the self-destruction cycle. With this newfound awareness, you can learn the steps you need to take to gain control over your life again and bring about positive changes. Many people report life-changing success overcoming bad habits they thought they could never break that were holding them back from what they wanted to accomplish in life. It’s something many of us go through and something a professional counselor can help.
Professional counseling can build your self-esteem.
Everyone on the planet has felt insecure about their appearance, skills, personality, or another trait one time or another. However, focusing on the aspects of ourselves we find negative can blind us to the beautiful qualities we do have. We all have something we don’t like about ourselves. When you accept counseling, you can learn how to accept your flaws as a part of just being human. This self-acceptance will bring about more self-love, compassion, and self-confidence. Not to mention, you can overcome your weaknesses by focusing on and improving your strengths through counseling.
Counselors can help you find purpose in your life.
One of the most commonly reported struggles is finding a purpose in life. Especially in the wake of the pandemic, more people than ever struggle with finding purpose. Whether it’s due to life complications like the pandemic, an existential crisis, or the loss of a loved one, losing one’s self can take quite the toll on your mental health. Through professional counseling, you can explore your values, interests, beliefs, and even your memories to help you rediscover yourself and find your purpose in the world.
Counselors offer a safe outlet to vent.
Sometimes, we simply need to let out all of our frustrations and concerns, but we’re worried about what others might think of us. Counseling gives you a private place to let out all of those negative emotions and thoughts that you’ve bottled up without judgment. Without the opportunity to vent, eventually, you’ll explode and possibly hurt some people that weren’t even part of the problem. So, you can always vent to your counselor and let out all of that emotion so you can find more peace and clarity.
Counseling is an invaluable resource in our society that you should always take advantage of should you need it.
If you or a loved one needs help dealing with mental health, reach out to a counselor and find the help you need.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, don’t hesitate to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).