Is Therapy Right For Me?
Young, old, and anywhere in between — caring for your mental health is important. Just as you would see a cardiologist for a heart issue, or an orthopedist for knee pain, a therapist can provide guidance for your mental health.
You don’t need to consider your mental health challenges “serious” to seek out a therapist. Some people pursue therapy to help manage a diagnosed mental illness, while others visit a therapist simply to have someone listen and provide guidance and support in a judgment-free setting.
How can therapy help me?
To start, it may be helpful to self-examine your mental well-being. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has a helpful list of the most common indications that therapy may help, including:
- Experiencing ongoing conflict with family or friends, or feeling isolated or alone
- Having trouble focusing on work, school, or other daily tasks
- Using a substance to cope with issues in your life
- Thinking about harming yourself or others
Connecting with a therapist may help sort through circumstances, including:
- Being in a relationship (with your partner, a family member, or a friend) that has hit a rough patch
- Coping with anxiety or depression
- Needing more confidence in your professional or personal life
- Wanting to set time aside to think about your own needs and goals
- Needing a confidential, safe space to talk about whatever is on your mind
If you’ve been to a therapist before but didn't achieve the desired results, don’t feel discouraged. The relationship between you and your therapist is a deeply personal one, and you need to find a therapist who is most compatible with you. It may take a few tries to find the best fit.
It’s all about what’s right for you
If you feel that therapy may be right for you, start by exploring National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)’s list of the types of professionals available to help.
If you decide that therapy doesn’t seem right for you, there are other options to explore. Your Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts benefits may offer access to online self-guided programs, such as Learn to Live, to help with mild to moderate anxiety, depression, insomnia, substance use, and more, as well as improve overall emotional health. Sign in to MyBlue to see if your plan offers access to the tool. Blue Cross wellness and holistic options can also provide benefits for mental and overall well-being.
Also, keep in mind that there’s a direct connection between mental health and physical well-being. Regular exercise can help boost your mood and energy levels.