Seeking therapy is not limited to these five signs. In fact, you don’t need to have any of these signs to benefit from therapy. Simply having a desire to feel better or to talk to someone can be reason enough to seek therapy. It’s always a good idea to reach out for help before you’re in an emergent crisis. Therapy can offer a safe space to discuss your concerns, and finding the right therapist can take time, so it’s advisable to start the process early. Remember, there’s no shame in seeking help, and therapy can be immensely beneficial for everyone. It’s a step towards a healthier mind and a healthier life.
In this article, we will discuss five key signs that indicate it might be time to get back into therapy and why it’s essential for your well-being.
1. Overwhelming Emotions
One of the most significant indicators that it’s time to return to therapy is experiencing overwhelming emotions. If you find yourself being tearful or crying for no apparent reason, it might be time to seek help. This sign is a personal one for many, and it often manifests as uncontrollable tears, even during mundane activities like watching a commercial or reading a magazine. These emotional outbursts are a clear indication that you have unresolved feelings that need to be addressed with a therapist.
2. Persistent Negative Thinking
Another sign that it’s time to consider therapy is when you find yourself constantly dwelling on negative thoughts about yourself or others. What’s even more concerning is when you struggle to challenge or talk back to these negative thoughts. This negative thinking can easily lead to shutting down and can be attributed to the lack of someone to talk to about these thoughts and the absence of practice using coping tools. If you find yourself trapped in a cycle of negativity, it’s an excellent time to seek professional help.
3. Reverting to Unhealthy Habits
Returning to old, unhealthy habits is a clear signal that it’s time to go back to therapy. These habits could range from negative thought patterns to more severe issues like disordered eating or self-injurious behavior. For instance, if you find yourself experiencing frequent thoughts related to an eating disorder or engaging in behaviors you thought you had overcome, it’s time to reach out to your therapist for support and guidance. This also applies to those in recovery who might experience urges to use drugs or alcohol again.
4. Loss of Emotional Control
When your emotions start controlling you rather than the other way around, it’s a sign that you need to consider returning to therapy. This can manifest as sudden outbursts of anger that are out of character, such as yelling at someone for a minor issue or experiencing road rage. If you notice a lack of control over your emotional responses, therapy can help you regain the reins and learn to manage your feelings more effectively.
5. Thoughts of Self-Harm or Suicide
Perhaps the most crucial sign that you need to seek immediate therapy is when you start having thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Even if these thoughts come and go, they should not be taken lightly. They are indicative of a deep struggle and hopelessness that requires professional intervention. Reaching out to a therapist sooner rather than later can be a lifeline and help prevent impulsive actions during moments of despair.
Ready to take the first step towards a healthier mind? Reach out to me, Psychologist Ashley, a licensed therapist, for professional online therapy services. Let’s work together to improve your well-being. Contact me today