Addressing Barriers to Getting Counseling for Depression
Aug 27, 2020
Dealing with depression is hard. Maybe you've recently been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. Perhaps you don't have an official diagnosis, but life has you feeling down. Whatever the reason, getting one on one therapy from a licensed professional can help.
Faced with the thought of seeking professional help can be daunting. For some, it feels like admitting defeat, or like another to-do on an overwhelming to-do list. Some people experience a sense of guilt for having depression; like they should be able to snap out of it on their own.
There are a variety of potential barriers to getting counseling. Overcoming these barriers is essential. Here are a few thoughts that may help address some of the obstacles to seeking help for your depression:
You are not alone
It's not uncommon to feel alone in your struggle with depression. It may seem that you are experiencing something that no one else is going through. The truth is that depression is one of the most common illnesses affecting all kinds of people. Chances are you know someone who has or will experience depression at some point. You're going through something difficult, but not uncommon. Most importantly, you are not alone.
There is a stigma
It may be helpful to acknowledge that, when it comes to depression, there is a stigma. Depression is happening to all types of people, all around you. However, misconceptions about depression still exist. These misunderstandings lead to stigmas, which can make it harder to seek the help you need. The good news is that there's been more of a dialogue about mental health in recent years. People are coming to understand that issues related to mental illness affect everyone. Depression is an illness, like diabetes or heart disease. It's nothing to be ashamed of, and counseling can help.
It's OK to just look into therapy
Exploring counseling doesn't
mean you have to make a life-long commitment. It may be a life-changing
experience. You may stick with it. For many people, ongoing work with a
therapist contributes significantly to healing.
For others, it may be a short-term solution. Getting the expertise from a
professional can move you past a particularly hard time. Then you may
opt to stop therapy. Both scenarios are OK. Permitting yourself to
explore therapy can help ease fear or reservations
you may be experiencing when looking into counseling.
Weigh the Pros and Cons
Fear, shame, or any number of negative feelings may come up when seeking therapy. Sometimes it helps to evaluate the pros and cons of a decision to take stock of what you stand to gain. Pushing past intimidating emotions could lead you down a road to recovery in which you find hope and healing.
We Can Help
There are several ways in which working with us can help with your depression.
We can:
- Help identify thoughts and feelings that are contributing to your depression.
- Provide tools for dealing with negative emotions and symptoms of depression.
- Help improve communication and boundaries with others.
- Offer a safe place to process your feelings and experience positive change.
Please contact us today if you are looking for a licensed therapist and to find out how we can help you. Counseling is just a click away!