Mental health is a growing concern in the United States. Studies show undiagnosed mental illness significantly increases one’s chances of having legal problems. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, plenty of people have gone on to live remarkable lives.
Research has lifted much of the stigma around mental illness in recent years and shown us that no one is immune to it. Thankfully, the treatment options have improved as well. Continue reading to learn what to expect when you go to therapy.
The first step is finding the right therapist
The relationship between mental health professionals and patients is integral. There are plenty of great therapists, but you will have to do your own research to find the one who’s right for you or your family member.
The Therapy Group of DC provides the most comprehensive services you’ll find. They offer teletherapy for when you can’t make it to your appointment. They also have specialists who treat many mental health problems, including social anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Furthermore, they’re always looking for new ways to help their patients realize and capitalize on their strengths so they can embody their best selves.
Your psychologist might suggest group therapy
Over the years, therapists have found that group therapy is one of the most effective methods. It provides patients with a supportive environment where they can share with others who have a common struggle. It’s also a great way for people with bipolar disorder or social anxiety to work on their social skills.
Even though individual therapy is often effective, your therapist might suggest that you try group therapy. You’ll get to form bonds with group members that transcend your group therapy sessions and become lasting friendships. As you can see, there are many ways you can grow from being part of a support group.
You’ll learn different coping strategies
One of the great things about seeing a DC therapist is that you’ll get insights into what triggers your mental health issues. As you get to the root of your problems, you’ll also learn different ways to cope with stress, disappointment, rejection, and other potential triggers.
Your therapist will work with you to help you overcome your health issues, but you still have to do the heavy lifting. The good news is you don’t have to do it alone. Consider your therapist a coach who’s giving you a playbook for facing your opponent. The coach may have the right strategy, but you still have to execute the game plan.
You’ll learn to appreciate yourself more
Mental illness can make it difficult for people to see the great things in you that everyone around you sees. One of the goals of psychologists is to help people to recognize their strengths while helping them overcome their weaknesses. Through counseling, you can get to know yourself and even learn to have more compassion for yourself and others.
Therapy can help you unlock your potential
Your struggles with mental health don’t define you. As you attend therapy, your psychologist will invite you to explore your passions and the things that make you happy. By helping you to realize the correlation between mental health and doing what you love, you could discover a new hobby or even turn an old one into a small business. A great mental health professional can help you to become the best version of yourself.
It’s about time we start taking mental health as seriously as physical health. There are many correlations between physical and mental health, with cause and effect flip-flopping between the two. The point is that no one’s immune to mental illness, and there’s no shame in getting professional help. Finding the right licensed therapist could be of the best decisions you ever make.
