8 Signs You Should See a Counselor

It can be difficult to look at our own lives objectively. We may not always recognize how much our struggles are affecting our day to day life. Here are some signs that suggest you could benefit from seeking help.

1. You feel “off”- sad, angry or apathetic. If you are sleeping more or less than usual, are withdrawing from people or activities that you normally enjoy, and/or you feel uncontrollable sadness, anger or hopelessness, the sooner you seek help the better. Prompt attention makes it easier to get through the problem. If you have thoughts that life is not worth living or of harming yourself in any way, reach out for help immediately.
2. You spend a great deal of time worrying and find it difficult to get a particular topic off your mind.  This “hamster wheel” can stop with the help of a trained professional, and you can learn how to cope more effectively.
3. You have unexplained weight gain or loss or appetite. This could be a medical problem. Once ruled out, you may discover that your mental health is the cause.
4. You have had a significant loss that you struggle with. Grief can be a long and difficult process. There are many different types of losses.  The passing of a loved one, a divorce or significant break up, loss of a job, or a major life change such as moving or a child moving out of the home for the first time are transitions that can negatively affect our thoughts and feelings.
5. You have experienced some type of trauma.  If you have been abused or neglected at any point in your life, you can benefit from talking to a counselor. You may be more affected by it today than you even realize.  If you have been in an accident or were a victim of a crime, seek help as soon as possible. You will learn how to cope with the event(s) in a healthy way. It is quite common that someone will become depressed or anxious and not realize it is due to a previous trauma. If this is the case, you are not weak—it is how your brain processes the event, and professional help can stop the pattern and allow you to heal. EMDR therapy is an excellent treatment method for trauma.
6. You notice you are using sex, alcohol, food or drugs excessively. Learning how to manage stress in a more healthful manner can help you stop this cycle and deal with the causes more effectively.
7.  You have a private matter that is bothering you, and you don’t feel safe to tell a loved one about it. If you are concerned about a relationship, you have a regret that plagues you, or you have a broken relationship that affects you more than you would like, a counselor can help you gain insight and acceptance to feel better about the situation.
8. You see that your struggles are affecting your relationships or job performance. Have others shown concern about you? Are you “flying off the handle"? Do you have a hard time focusing on tasks because you are stressed? Do your loved ones avoid you or complain about your moods? Do you regret being unkind or angry to loved ones  but don’t know how to stop? These are all signs that you need help from a professional counselor.

In the previously mentioned examples of life struggles, most people benefit from short-term therapy. It is not a lifelong commitment—you are likely to feel much better after just a few sessions. The opportunity to talk to an objective and unbiased professional without fear of judgment or repercussions can be liberating and life-changing.

If you identify with some of the signs above, please schedule to meet me for a free consultation. I will gladly help you find the right counselor for you and your individual needs.