How unhappy do I need to be?
Often we wait until we reach our threshold of maximum discomfort before we head to therapy. We wait until we can bear it no more. I encourage the idea that we can enter or re-enter therapy at anytime. We do not need to be maxed out to start.
Sometimes we can enter therapy with good bandwith, we a ‘ok’ness’ about ourselves. From here we can actively dig deeper, explore histical issues and work through past traumas. We do not need to wait until it is unbearable.
Bonnie Evie Gifford lists some of the reasons that may lead us to therapy:
What are the most common reasons why people get therapy?
The reasons why people work with a therapist vary greatly from person to person. Some people may seek help for a specific problem like a phobia or addiction, while others may be struggling to cope with day-to-day stress or worries.
Some of the most common reasons why people seek out counselling can include:
Addiction and substance use. This can include alcohol, tobacco, prescription medication, illegal drugs, sexual addictions, or problems with gambling. Working with a therapist can help to change problematic behaviours, instil new habits, and break binge-purge cycles that addicts may struggle with.
Anxiety, depression, worry and stress. This can include general anxiety, specific kinds of anxiety (health, eco, phobias, PTSD, separation, or social), feelings of being anxious or worried, and short or long-term stress. A therapist can help you to identify sources and root causes of stress, worry, anxiety and depression, helping you to build healthier coping mechanisms and addressing underlying issues that may be causing other problems (such as sleep or eating problems).
Bereavement, grief and loss. Working through the feelings associated with the death of a friend, family member, or loved one can be difficult. We each grieve differently, working at our own pace with no set timeline. When we feel we don’t have the space or time to prioritise working through these feelings, it can cause future problems. Speaking with a therapist can help you to better understand how you are feeling and work through these feelings.
Illness, chronic illness, accidents or surgery. Serious, ongoing, or chronic illness, accidents, or surgeries for yourself or someone close to you can cause a myriad of emotions that can be tricky to work through without help and support. A therapist can help you to recognise, understand, and deal with these big emotional reactions caused by experiencing or supporting a loved one through illness or injury.
Low confidence and self-esteem. You may have trouble recognising your strengths and weaknesses, believing in yourself or your abilities, or finding the motivation to keep going past initial stumbling blocks. A therapist may be able to help you better recognise your full potential, improve communication skills, recognise your problems more easily, and start taking action.
Relationship problems. Our relationships (romantic, family, friendships, and work-related) can significantly impact how we feel, causing worry, anxiety, stress, or self-doubt. Working with a therapist can help you better understand your relationships, recognise unhealthy patterns, learn to implement boundaries, and help you to focus on nurturing the relationships that are most important to you.
Taken from https://happiful.com/do-i-need-a-problem-to-start-therapy/