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Mental health has come a long way. Today, we see many individuals including those in power, celebrities and sports persons breaking the silence around psychological issues and spreading awareness. All said and done we still see a lack of awareness and stigma attached to seeking professional assistance for mental wellbeing.
This article seeks to answer some common queries and take another little step towards silencing the stigma!
When to seek professional assistance for mental health?
When you feel emotionally overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, have difficulty in processing or functioning, coping with grief, facing unmanageable changes in mood and behaviour, or disturbed relationships, seeking professional assistance can be useful in bringing the necessary change.
“I couldn’t find peace. I started seeing a therapist” — Serena Williams, Tennis Player, US’ Harper’s Bazaar magazine
Is my problem big enough to seek counselling?
No problem is big or small. Every individual is unique with different sets of strengths and weaknesses. Many individuals seek assistance for day to day concerns, while others might seek assistance for serious mental illnesses.
“You do better in the gym with a trainer; you don’t figure out how to cook without reading a recipe. Therapy is not something to be embarrassed about,” — Kristen Bell, Hollywood Actress, Good Housekeeping
Does seeking assistance mean I am incapable or cowardly?
Does going to a doctor or physician make us feel inept? Coming out and talking about our problems is courageous.
“To receive help is not a sign of weakness. In today’s world more than ever it is a sign of strength”. — Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, The me you can’t see
Who do I consult? Psychologist or Psychiatrist? What is the difference?
Psychology and Psychiatry are adjacent yet different in nature. The basic difference is that a psychiatrist is eligible to prescribe medications for treating unmanageable symptoms of any mental illness. Whereas, a Psychologist seeks various therapies depending on the issue as a form of treatment.
In some cases, there exists no need for medication, while in some cases both psychologists and psychiatrists are needed for effective treatment.
“I did therapy and antidepressants for a brief period, which helped me. This is what therapy does: it gives you another perspective when you are so lost in your own spiral… It helps.” — Jon Hamm, Hollywood Actor, Guardian
How will talking to a stranger really help?
A psychologist receives years of professional training and develops necessary skills. They use scientifically proven methods and techniques throughout the process. That said, it’s not just the counsellor’s effectiveness but also the client’s willingness to put in the effort and work towards their goals.
“You go to a gym because it makes you feel good or feel fit. Similarly, it is important to visit a therapist regularly, irrespective of whether there’s been a trigger or you’ve been feeling symptoms of depression,” — Deepika Padukone, Bollywood Actress, The Week
How can I trust a stranger? How do I know that anything I share is kept private?
A psychologist is bound by ethical rules and regulations to maintain confidentiality. Anything shared during the sessions is kept confidential. The limits to confidentiality are also expressed at the beginning of the session.
Will the counsellor/therapist give me a solution to the problem in the first session itself?
Remember, that counselling/therapy is a process, a journey, not a destination. Just as problems vary in intensity, the time and number of sessions required will also vary from person to person.
The role of the counsellor is to assist not to advise.
“I’ve been going to therapy for about five years and I think it has really helped my mental health incredibly,” — Katy Perry, Pop Star, Kiis FM
How to reach out?
Various organizations and freelancers are working both physically and remotely. Most of them have online services to book sessions. You can go through the descriptions, qualifications, specializations, experience, client testimonials before booking the session.
At ManoShala, we can find experts, specialised in different areas. Some of these services include — Clinical Psychologist, Relationship Therapist, Student counsellor, Mindfulness specialist, Yoga therapist and many more.
“Go to therapy. Clean up all of the toxins and the noise. Understand who you are. Educate yourself on the self,” — Jennifer Aniston, Hollywood Actress, Glamour
By
Muskan Gupta, Psychologist, ManoShala
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