Why You Should Start Going to Therapy in the New Year

As every new year rolls around, people tend to set goals and make resolutions. But, instead of the “standard” desires to get in shape or quit a bad habit this year (both are good things!), you might consider something different... that includes going to therapy.

While therapy isn’t for everyone, it’s important to know if it could be the right thing for you.

Mental health issues have been largely destigmatized in recent years, but they certainly aren’t going away. Due to the pandemic, they’re actually on the rise.

So, why should you start going to therapy in the new year? How could it benefit you, especially if you’ve been struggling with feelings of depression or anxiety?

You Feel Hopeless and Helpless

Everyone gets down from time to time. It’s not abnormal to feel sad once in a while. But, if those feelings of sadness and hopelessness don’t go away, it could be a sign of a bigger issue – like depression.

These last two years have been incredibly difficult for everyone. Maybe they became even harder to deal with over the holidays if you weren’t able to gather with loved ones the way you usually do.

You don’t deserve to feel hopeless all of the time. And, you’re certainly not helpless. If your feelings of sadness hardly ever seem to subside, you should definitely consider therapy as a viable option that can help.

You’re Overcome With Worry

To say we’re living in uncertain times would be an understatement. It’s not uncommon to feel a bit worried about everything the world is going through.

But, if you feel like that worry has taken control of your life, it’s important to be able to work that out. Often, things like anxiety stem from underlying causes. Things you experience now could be triggering you, but it’s important to get to that root cause to actually work through the anxiety itself. For some people, anxiety began in childhood and was never officially diagnosed.

So, if you can’t stop your racing thoughts and you feel worried more often than not, consider working with a therapist who can help you to manage your symptoms.

You Notice Negative Patterns

Maybe your life isn’t where you thought it would be. Have you ever considered why?

Some things will always be out of your control. But, many people end up in situations they don’t want because of the patterns in their lives. That could include a dysfunctional relationship with your family or negative patterns with romantic partners. Whatever the case, it’s important to notice that some of those patterns could be holding you back from living the life you want.

The good news? You don’t have to break those cycles on your own.

Again, therapy can help you to determine the root cause(s) of why you might succumb to those patterns. Once you know that, you can start to work from the ground up to change them. Your therapist will guide you every step of the way and provide practical advice for how to change your habits.

You’ve Kept Things Inside for Too Long

Emotions will always come forward, no matter how hard you try to ignore them. Far too many people try to keep their true feelings inside, assuming they will weaken over time or go away completely. That’s rarely the case.

On the contrary, suppressed emotions often become even more intense, and may “bubble up” over time – often when you least expect it.

Whether you have a hard time opening up, you’re embarrassed, or you feel like you don’t know how to talk about your issues, you’re not alone. Therapy could be the best solution for helping you express your emotions so you can better understand them and work through them.

If you’re already making resolutions for the new year, consider going to therapy. It can change your life for the better, and help you manage your mental health for years to come.

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If you're ready to begin therapy, read about our specialties and set up an appointment with one of our counselors today.