Mental health concerns are an open secret for many. It’s not a subject that is freely discussed as much as we discuss physical illness. One of the reasons why people may choose to experience mental health concerns privately is because of the stigma that is attached to it.
Times one may feel judged when one shares that they are struggling, and may be met with a questioning eye if people feel as if there is a reason why one should be experiencing problems, particularly if there is no trauma or tragedy involved. It is, however, important to work through the struggles that one may be facing, and this can be done with the help of a psychologist. Here are five reasons to find a psychologist to help manage health concerns:
Table of Contents
Judgement-Free Space
Being judged for struggling with mental health only adds to the feelings of depression, guilt and helplessness that one may already be experiencing. The topic of mental health doesn’t sit well with people for several reasons. It may be that you sharing that you are struggling triggers the other to realize that they too are struggling but doesn’t wish to face it. It could also be that some may feel as if you are in a better socio-economic position compared to them, so they don’t see a reason why you shouldn’t be experiencing life at its best state. Others understand mental health concerns as only concerning a tragedy or a traumatic event, which is not always the case.
A psychologist, however, doesn’t come with the same preconceived notions that you may have been met with when having shared with community members. A psychologist is trained to understand mental health beyond the surface and approaches the concept from an objective standpoint. You don’t have to worry about being judged from a subjective perspective, which sometimes occurs with those who aren’t experts in the area of mental health.
How to find the right psychologist who will provide you a safe space to share your struggles and concerns requires a bit of research. Make sure to ask yourself all the questions that may provide answers indicating whether you have found the right professional.
Psychologists Help with Shadow Work
Shadow work is the intentional debunking and breaking down of the dynamics that may be contributing to your mental health, such as depression and anxiety. Psychologists intend to have you uncover the buried or subconscious issues that may be affecting you. Shadow work is done in different forms such as journaling, spider diagrams, and meditation. A psychologist will help you explore the shadow work strategy that may work best for you and guide you in the direction to wellness by understanding why you may be struggling. Getting to the root of the issues may help to map the way forward to wellness.
Help with Unravelling
In the event of trauma and tragedy, you may be able to eloquently explain why you are struggling with mental health. However, mental health concerns aren’t solely caused by tangible events. You may be wondering why you are experiencing mental health concerns, and a psychologist can help you see the perspectives that you may have never considered. What you may have considered as a normal habit or lifestyle can be pointed out by a psychologist as a contributing factor, for instance. When you interact with a psychologist, you are provided a platform where you can step back, observe, and analyze the psychologist’s perspective and consider implementing the changes required to improve your quality of life.
Look Forward to Sessions
When you are struggling with mental health, every day may seem bleak and monotonous. Scheduled sessions with a psychologist may become activities to look forward to. You know that you can talk uninterrupted and without judgement. You can also look forward to realizing elements about yourself that you hadn’t acknowledged before, which contributes to wellness.
Long-Term Effects
Your sessions may come to an end; however, the results from these may have a long-lasting effect. You may have grasped concepts such as mindfulness, meditation, and breath-work, which you may continue to implement in your life and make it a lifestyle.
Conclusion
A psychologist will help you navigate dynamics regarding your mental wellness. Sessions with a psychologist are a judgement-free zone, they can help you in your journey of shadow work, they help with unravelling situations to understand possible root causes, and you get to look forward to sessions, and can benefit from the long-term effects from the sessions.
Working through mental health concerns requires emotional and mental strength to face concepts that you may have otherwise opted not to visit. The journey also demands a willingness to be open to how you may experience uncomfortable realizations. The journey to mental wellness isn’t a linear process, rather a lifetime lifestyle. Psychologists are more than equipped to see you through.
