Do I need therapy? 5 signs it might be time

Do you find yourself asking the question, “Do I need therapy?” You may notice patterns or reactions that signal to you that there may be something deeper to explore.

This blog explores 5 signs that it may be time to start therapy.

You feel anxious or “on edge” more days than not

You may find yourself frequently on edge, feeling “off,” or a little restless. If you have trouble slowing down, being still, or being bored, this may be a sign that there is something deeper going on that needs some attention. Anxiety is information. It is telling you that there is something you are not giving enough attention.

This could be a painful emotion you are unconsciously avoiding, a stressor you are trying to ignore, or an unmet need in a relationship. If you find yourself moving quickly, keeping busy, getting distracted, or forgetting things, take a second to slow down and see if there is anything else going on inside.

Something from your past still affects you

If your past continues to show up in your present, it may be time to start therapy. Say you were in an unhealthy relationship where you couldn’t trust your partner — you may notice stronger reactions, fears, or anxieties in your current relationship that you just can’t shake, even with the most supportive partner.

Our bodies remember our past experiences and are wired to protect us from getting hurt in the same way again. If you notice reactions and fears based on previous experiences that won’t go away, a therapist can help you process them and build a new sense of safety in your day-to-day. This is an area where an approach like EMDR can be especially effective, since it helps the brain and body fully process past experiences instead of just talking through them.

You’re using alcohol or other substances to cope

You may notice you’ve started turning to alcohol or other substances more often to cope with stressors or underlying painful emotions. Maybe you’ve tried to find moderation in drinking but can’t stick to it. Therapy can help you learn why you are drinking or using, what it’s helping you cope with, and find healthier emotional regulation skills.

Your relationships feel harder

When we are struggling, it makes maintaining healthy relationships more challenging. It often takes so much energy just to get through the day that there is not a lot leftover to put into your relationships. You may notice you are more frustrated with the people in your life, or don’t know how to communicate your needs.

You’re having bigger reactions than you’d expect

Do you notice yourself reacting in a way that seems disproportionate to the situation? If you find yourself getting angry with your partner over not taking the trash out, your “overreaction” is probably not about the trash at all. There are most likely lingering resentments or wounds that haven’t been addressed yet.

So, do you need therapy?

If you resonate with anything in this post, I encourage you to find a therapist who is right for you. Therapy can be a helpful way to learn more about yourself, process painful emotions, heal from your past, and work on bettering your relationships. You also don’t need a reason to start — if it’s something you’re simply curious about, that’s as good a reason as any.

Interested in starting therapy? Learn more about what we have to offer at Sidwell Therapy.