We mistakenly believe that mental health professionals are only for those with mental illnesses – the people we like to call “crazy.” That one must be unable to function because of their mental health issues to warrant a visit to a clinic. But, mental health is not black and white, and psychologists are not reserved for those with clinical disorders. You don’t have to have depression, schizophrenia, anxiety or a personality disorder to book yourself an appointment. Contrary to popular belief, a psychologist is equipped to deal with mental health and not only mental illness. Our emotional well-being depends on many factors such as our jobs, relationships, health, and life events. There are many things other than a diagnosis that are a reason for you to see a psychologist.
1. When you are having doubts about your relationship
Relationships are complex and, often, our doubts about another person are a projection of our own insecurities and fears. A therapist can help you figure out what is coming from you, and what is coming from the relationship, or your partner.
2. When you are at loggerheads with your partner, and are thinking of throwing in the towel
We may think that we have tried it all to save our relationship, but you haven’t really until you get an unbiased, objective perspective from an outsider who is trained to help you mend the issues you have with your partner. Yes, that’s right – many psychologists receive specialised training in couples therapy. Make use of them!
3. When you’ve just had a breakup
One can never fully understand how the end of a relationship impacts us simply by introspecting. You have to live it, and while you do, you may end up acting erratically, or making choices you don’t fully understand. A psychologist can help you navigate a breakup without doing much harm to yourself and others!
4. When you’re starting a new relationship after a toxic one
Our minds work in mysterious ways, and many of us find ourselves struggling to open up, trust, and connect in a new relationship. This is more often than not because of unresolved baggage, which can damage your prospects with a new partner if not dealt with appropriately. Guess who can help you deal with it?
5. When you lose a loved one
Losing someone who’s been close to you, and an integral part of your life is considered to be one of the most stressful experiences. Of course, there is heavy grief one has to process. But also, the passing of a loved one means restructuring your own life. You don’t have to go through either of these alone.
6. When your baseline mood becomes irritable, annoyed, angry, snappy, or unhappy, and you can’t figure out why
A snappy or short-tempered temperament, or general looming unhappiness that persists is usually a symptom of a deeper issue. Often we may not be aware of what’s really bothering us. That’s where a trained professional steps in – to help you untie the knots and get to the bottom of the issue.
7. If you have chronic health issues
Our body and mind are interrelated, and one affects the other. Chronic health issues are bound to take a toll on your mental well-being. It may even impact your work and social life, and sense of self. A therapist can ease the process for you.
8. When you have family issues that you don’t see a resolution to
There are trained family therapists, who have studied the plethora of research and literature that is out there about family dynamics who can help you fix those sour relationships. We are deeply impacted by our families – in good and bad ways. Family discord can be extremely difficult to handle. Seek a professional’s help.
