Going to talk about your suffering or discomfort with someone (psychologist, psychotherapist, psychiatrist) is a decision that is worked out little by little, since it is neither familiar nor natural. Often one waits for many months or even years and, when living with one’s problems has begun to significantly compromise different areas of one’s life. Especially when people close to you can no longer alleviate the own malaise. Indeed, today let’s discover about “when should I see a psychologist?“.
The purpose of this article is not only to clarify to our readers what are the circumstances in which to contact a psychologist but also to urge anyone who recognizes that they are experiencing a moment of block, discomfort, suffering, malaise to take care of their own. Psychological health as much as some does with their physical health, overcoming the mental barriers made up of prejudices, social stereotypes, erroneous beliefs with consequent experiences of shame, embarrassment, hostility and distrust.
How to know if you need a psychologist?
Having clarified prejudices and stereotypes, I want to reiterate that going to the Psychologist does not absolutely mean being “nutty”, “different”, “crazy” but, on the contrary, taking care of one’s mental health. Indeed, which goes hand in hand with one’s physical health and general well-being. Therefore, being healthy people, it is important to recognize a discomfort in a certain period of their life. If you are unable to cope with these discomfort, we highly recommend you to contact a specialist.
So, when should I see a psychologist?
- to find serenity and happiness;
- to foster personal inner growth;
- for the needs of understanding and / or orientation;
- to achieve a greater and better awareness of oneself, of others and of one’s own vital spheres; ( family , sentimental, social, work, school)
- for a temporary crisis;
- to unravel emotional, social, family, relational, school, work dynamics and difficulties;
- to get out of deadlocks and / or blockages;
- when symptoms (e.g. anxiety, depression, stress) progressively increase in intensity and frequency. Especially if persisting for too long over time and negatively impacting one’s life;
- in case of bereavement and traumatic events;
- to get rid of excess anxiety, stress, impulses, thoughts, fears, difficulties, negative ideas and feelings; (sadness, fatalistic ideas about the future, irrational fears)
- when we notice changes in behavior; (for example constant and unjustified changes in mood, changes in our conduct that generate problems or unjustified isolation)
- when a psychological problem tends to increase in intensity and frequency, becoming chronic and invading in a dysfunctional way all the various spheres of life;
- to restore balance and the right level of mood and self-esteem;
- remodel and improve one’s character and personality;
- to gradually get out of abuse and addictions;(drugs, alcohol, tobacco, food, sex).
- or simply to talk with somebody;
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How can a psychologist help you?
- By supporting the person through internal discomfort until its attenuation and / or disappearance;
- Helping to understand, reactivate and strengthen one’s energies and abilities, solutions and internal motivations, thus allowing the overcoming of psychic blocks and obstacles;
- Creating a space different from the usual ones of everyday life, in which to confide and confront each other by finding points of reference and answers;
- Providing the necessary information on the problem exposed and sending, if necessary, to another specialist;
How to understand if psychological support or psychotherapy are needed?
Given that the psychological or psychotherapeutic intervention is based on the mutual active collaboration of professional and client, on a “work contract” with precise objectives and on a specific relationship of mutual trust, empathic, available and welcoming, only in progress it is possible to do an evaluation of the effectiveness of the course. The elements that can be evaluated are:
- the quality of the relationship, a place where the client can feel at ease in talking about himself. Express his discomfort and thoughts, accept the indications of the psychologist;
- time: a “rapid” or “long” therapy is not necessarily a guarantee of effectiveness and the achievement of one’s well-being. Instead, what is advisable is to start from a careful analysis of the need and formulation of small achievable and realistic objectives within a defined and jointly agreed time frame. Having reached that moment, “take stock of the situation” in an honest and shared way, possibly re-evaluating a further period of study, analysis and elaboration according to current needs;
- before embarking on a path it is good to inquire about the distinction between psychologist and psychotherapist in order to be able to consciously choose which professional to turn to based on your needs. It would also be advisable to have an idea of the various types of psychotherapy in such a way as to be able to choose to go to a psychotherapist based on his theoretical and methodological approach of reference; this is because it is important that one’s inclinations are in tune with those of the professional.
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When to go to the psychologist?
There may be numerous reasons that lead us to contact a psychologist or psychotherapist. For example suffering caused by symptoms, more or less disabling in our daily life, conflicts, grief, relational difficulties, or for desire to investigate existential unresolved issues.
Talking with family and friends, therefore, is useful to start overcoming frustrations and clearing your mind. If you can’t get out of the mental fog even this way, remember that a professional can offer a little extra support. Talking about your problems can release pent-up feelings. Even more, discussing your problems can allow you to present them more logically.
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How to explain to your family the need to consult a psychologist?
At the end of this article, another important issue that, at times, determines the decision to go to a psychologist. Unfortunately, we often find ourselves in family systems that hardly understand this need, probably conditioned by prejudices and stereotypes. Other times we ourselves are immersed in these stereotypes and false beliefs and, therefore, we fear the judgment of others. If we ourselves are aware and convinced of the fact that the psychologist is a tool that, in a certain period of our life, can help us to find balance and reach our wellness goals, we will certainly be more comfortable communicating to a our family member / acquaintance of our decision.