As we approach a full year of living with COVID, experts are predicting one of the biggest health crises of 2021 will be the pandemic’s toll on our mental health. A year of constant hypervigilance, worry, and general life upheaval has had a negative impact on our overall wellness. This is hardly surprising - but the repercussions of the pandemic are becoming something that needs our mindful attention. Therapy is a place where we can unburden ourselves of COVID’s influence, by talking through our problems and learning positive ways to cope with our stressors.

Marquee with "The World is Temporarily Closed" spelled out on it

Prior to COVID, therapy was readily available but not always something that was commonly sought out. Most of us may have felt as though we were able to manage life’s stressors well enough. Or maybe we thought of therapy as something only really needed if someone has a diagnosable disorder or major debilitating symptoms.

Nowadays, the stigma of attending counseling has decreased and the intensity of the stressors of our lives have significantly skyrocketed. Many of us have begun to feel more comfortable seeking mental health support - dealing with the collective global trauma of COVID has taken a toll! Not only has this past year been shocking, it has created a grief and loss response for many. All of us have lost a sense of security and safety in our lives and that trauma and grief can sometimes feel palpable. More and more people are feeling physical symptoms of anxiety, such as sleepless nights and panic attacks. People are burned out and isolated from their friends and family, resulting in an increased use of unhealthy coping skills to manage feelings of unhappiness.

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This year, it’s time to ask yourself “Should I go to therapy? Consider the following questions to help shape your answer:

Have you felt that your emotions and thoughts have become more negative over the past year?
Have your friends and family noticed any changes in your behavior?
Have you turned to unhealthy ways to cope with your stress (over/under eating, drinking excessively, engaging in self ham, etc)?

If you answered yes to even one of these questions, it may be time to consider therapy. Therapy is a safe space where you can have some time to focus on your stressors and learn better ways to manage them. Going to therapy is something you can do for yourself to deal with your feelings of overwhelm, stress, and anxiety.

Sometimes just hearing the word “therapy” can make people uncomfortable. You might feel ashamed about wanting to talk to someone. Some people worry what others will think if they tell them about going to therapy. Maybe your friends might tell you that you don’t need therapy or seem surprised that you’re taking that step. You might be the first person in your family to go to therapy and your loved ones may not understand why. It might seem difficult to take the steps to start therapy. There are so many things to figure out: How do you find a therapist, how do you make the appointment, how much does it cost, how often should you go, etc? You may also feel anxious about reaching out to a therapist for the first time.

These questions and feelings are very real and normal, especially because you are doing something new for the first time. Many clients will report feeling anticipatory anxiety about their first appointment. Try to channel those nerves into excitement about the possibilities of positive change that your therapy sessions may bring into your life! Anything you do for the first time might seem difficult but as time goes on, it will become an easier part of your routine. If you’re still uncertain, think about your first appointment as a one time consultation. If you don’t feel comfortable going back, you don’t have to! Try some self-reflection for a bit and if the feeling arises to revisit therapy, try again with a new therapist. Sometimes a good match can make all the difference.

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If you’re thinking that you might want to go to therapy, take the following steps:

Do an online search for the type of therapist you’re looking for (ex. Google anxiety therapists in Rhode Island or visit the website www.zencare.co)
Watch videos or look at pictures of different therapists on their websites to see if you like their vibe
Write down the therapist’s hourly rates and/or see if they accept your health insurance plan
Contact your health insurance company to find out your eligibility and benefits and how much each therapy session will cost you
Create your budget for therapy so you know how often you can afford to attend (most people find that every other week or weekly is a great place to start)
Email or call the office to set up an appointment! If you’d like, schedule a few consultation appointments with different therapists so you can find the best fit

Should I Go To Therapy?