5 Common Questions About Mental Health That's Stopping You From Seeking Help

The stigma around mental health has been present for generations. Words like anxiety, depression, trauma, boundaries, etc., are being used at a growing rate to describe an individual’s experience of the world. However, there are people who still subscribe to old beliefs about mental health that create barriers for themselves and others to be able to adequately take care of their mental health. 

And after being in private practice for the last two years and working as a therapist, here are some common unanswered questions that are stopping people from seeking the support they need.

Does having mental health mean I am prone to violence? 

No. However, people with mental health issues have been portrayed in the media as being violent and unpredictable which has caused society to believe that these  behaviors are often attributed to mental illness. On the other hand, people with mental illness actually have a higher likelihood of being victims of violent crimes.

My friends and family think I am “faking it,” is it all in my head?

Seeking mental health services takes a lot of courage. If you are surrounded by people who believe you are “faking” your presenting problems, you want to make sure this is communicated to your potential therapist because this issue will impact your therapeutic journey. Be mindful that you may be the first person in your family who decides that the dysfunction around you is no longer applicable to the lifestyle you desire to live and that decision may cause issues with your loved ones. 

Be open to the process and possibility that some people may distance themselves or vice versa as you navigate your healing journey. This is a period I call “isolation” which is the time frame where you spend time going inward to heal and during this time period, there is a lot of time spent alone. 

Should I just get medicine to address my problems? 

Medication may be the appropriate treatment or part of a treatment for some. This varies for everyone. Often a combination of medication and therapy are used to support recovery. If you are thinking about medication, plan to discuss your thoughts during a therapy session where you and your therapist can plan out a course of action to obtain medication and/or to develop a lifestyle change plan.

Will my mental health issues stop me from doing things I like to do? 

People with mental health issues are as likely to be involved in school, work and their community as those without. Many individuals who experience mental illness learn skills for managing stressors and problem-solving as tools for self-care. Think of your mental health issue as a signal that something inside of you needs to be cared for in a different manner. As a result, you will have to learn new skills, tools, techniques and strategies to support this part of yourself as it heals and adjusts to a new beginning. 

Does everyone have mental health issues? 

Mental illness is often something you do not see, regardless of where someone lives or how much money they have. There are people you meet every day who are coping with mental health issues completely unknown to you. A good rule of thumb: treat everyone with kindness and grace because you never know who truly needs it. 

We hope this helps you find the right therapist in the Greater Philadelphia Metro Area.  If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to email us at Admin@dahliarosewellness.com  for a free 15 minute phone consultation. We’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with managing shame and guilt in order to live a life you are wildly obsessed with, you can read more about how we can help here