“There’s something wrong with you.”
“Just snap out of it!”
“It’s your own fault.”
If you’ve had one or more of these connotations directed at you (or maybe you’ve even directed them at yourself), then you already know that the topic of mental health is one that’s surrounded by stigma. Seeking therapy is often viewed in a negative light by many people. They may interpret the need to speak with a professional as a sign of personal weakness, or that you should be able to control your thoughts, feelings, and emotions on your own. Think about it though— we have health professionals to help us care for our eyes, our teeth, our reproductive systems, etc. The list goes on. Why shouldn’t taking care of your brain be just as important?
The truth is, we all need someone to talk to. Someone to share our feelings with, someone to vent to when we’re upset, and someone who is able to listen to us and help us through whatever challenges we may be facing. Whether this is your spouse, a trusted friend, or another family member, it’s important to have a reliable person in your corner. So, how do you know when to seek therapy or find a counselor? If you find yourself excessively worrying, struggling with feelings of depression or loneliness, or you begin skipping work, losing sleep, or avoiding plans with friends, it may be time to reach out for help.
In addition to offering an unbiased view on your thoughts and feelings, counselors are responsible for making you feel comfortable and safe while sharing those feelings. It’s also important to know that everyone’s mental health journey is different— while some find that weekly sessions are important for them to feel in control of their thoughts, others may only need to schedule sessions on an as-needed basis. Speaking with a counselor can help you resolve any current challenges you’re facing, learn different coping methods, and allow you to make any necessary personal changes that help you return to a healthier version of yourself.
On that note though, keep in mind that counselors specialize in different areas of mental health and have different personalities. Think of them as pairs of pants— not all pants fit you the same way, but that doesn’t mean that they’re “bad” pairs of pants. It just means you haven’t found your perfect pair yet. Similarly, it’s important to “try on” on different counselors until you find one that’s a great fit for you and your mental health needs.
Rimrock’s Mental Health Services team is comprised of dually-licensed counselors that hold a LAC (License in Addiction Counseling) as well as a mental health license (LCSW or LCPC). If you are interested in learning more about Rimrock’s mental health services or would like to schedule a session with one of our counselors, please call us at (406) 248-3175.
