Most people don't know when to start therapy. They wait until they are in the depths of depression or anxiety before seeking help. But you don't have to do that. There are many signs that you can look for to determine if you need help. In this blog post, we will discuss 6 signs that indicate it's time to start therapy. We will also provide tips on how to find a therapist who is right for you!

1. You're feeling overwhelmed and like you can't cope with your life

Got the Sunday Scaries? Do you spend too much time worrying about your job, your housing, or your future? Are you starting to wish that you could just be a marshmallow? Sounds like you might be feeling overwhelmed with life.

It's no secret that life can be overwhelming. We're constantly bombarded with challenges and stresses, and it can be hard to know how to cope. Some people turn to their friends and family for support, while others find comfort in their hobbies. But let's be honest, sometimes those things just aren't enough. That's where therapy comes in. Therapy provides a space for you to unload all of your burdens, without judgment or interruption. It's a chance to be truly heard, and to start working through your challenges in a healthy way.

2. You've been struggling with the same problems for a long time without any relief

It's like déjà vu all over again...or is it? If it feels like you're stuck in the same old emotional rut, even though you've made some major changes in your life, you're not alone. It's a common phenomenon, and there's even a name for it: the hedonic treadmill. We adapt to new circumstances pretty quickly and go back to feeling about the same as we did before, whether those circumstances are good or bad. That's not to say that making positive changes in your life isn't worth it, because it definitely is. But it does explain why simply changing your external circumstances isn't always enough to make you feel better on the inside. If you want to break out of the emotional rut you're in, it's going to take more than just switching things up on the outside. You'll need to do some work on yourself, too.

Therapy is about more than mental disorders. A licensed professional specializing in anxiety treatment can help you understand these patterns, identify who you truly are at your core, and help you learn to get off the hedonic treadmill and enjoy your life.

3. You feel like you're at a dead-end and don't know what to do next

Do you feel like you're tired of life? You don't want to die, but you wish you could disappear for a few days? Weeks, even? Or just skip to the good part of life? 

Life doesn't usually work out the way we thought it would, and we end up getting stuck in ruts that we can't get out of. Sometimes it feels like the rut will last forever. It's easy to feel hopeless when everything seems the same.

If you're feeling this way, therapy can help. In therapy, you can learn new skills to help you get the things you want in life, and learn ways to cope when life doesn't go the way you'd hoped.

So, if you're feeling stuck, it may be time to start therapy.

4. You've lost interest in things that used to make you happy

When we stop caring about the things that used to bring us joy and happiness, that's when we know something is deeply wrong. Whether it's our favorite sport, a beloved tv show, or our fun-loving group of friends, losing interest in these pursuits can be devastating. Our excitement and enthusiasm together feel like an integral part of who we are, but when that gets taken away from us, it feels like a piece of our soul has been sucked out. And without these things to look forward to and enjoy, life becomes dull and mundane. We start to dread the very thought of having to go through each day, feeling heavy and hopeless under the weight of apathy.

Luckily, there is always hope for reigniting those passions again. In therapy, you learn more about yourself and how you tick. You can learn how to stop the things that are draining your life and start finding joy again. Therapy can help you rediscover what makes us come alive.

5. Your relationships are suffering because of your mental health issues

If you're struggling with your mental health, it can feel like you're not only fighting an uphill battle but that you're also dragging your loved ones along with you. It's important to remember that you are not alone in this fight. Many people struggle with mental health issues, and there is no shame in seeking help. Therapy can be an invaluable tool in managing mental health issues and helping to improve your relationships. In therapy, you will learn how to communicate effectively about your needs and boundaries. You will also gain insight into the thoughts and emotions that are driving your behavior. If you're struggling to keep up appearances for the people you love, therapy can help you learn to love yourself first.

6. You're self-harming or having suicidal thoughts

If you're self-harming or having suicidal thoughts, get in touch with a trained professional right away. Seriously. You deserve to live your life - and you definitely deserve to live your life free of suicidal thoughts. So don't hesitate to reach out for help. Trust us, it's worth it.

If you are in Colorado and are in crisis or need to talk to someone immediately, call 844-493-8255 or text #38255 to speak to a trained professional. You do not have to be suicidal to talk to them. They are there if you just need to talk.

In the rest of the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Outside of the United States, please call your local crisis center or medical provider.

If you’re in Colorado and you would like to learn more about True Grit and how Stacy Andrews can help you, click on the button below to schedule a free consultation.