The Importance of Maintaining Mental Health Services
Mental health providers often see new clients reach out to inquire about therapy when they are already in a state of stress or crisis. Dealing with crisis is definitely a great time to reach out for support! However, it is important not to terminate therapy as soon as you’ve worked through a stressful event. This can actually be a wonderful time to continue working with a therapist on self exploration and future goals.
Quiet times with low stress are also a great time to start therapy. There is never a bad time to get to know yourself better or build coping skills. Life stressors such as relationship dynamics and life adjustments will inevitably continue to come and go. Therapy is a space to build the skills to navigate uncomfortable situations and a space to maintain progress you may have made while utilizing therapy during a crisis.
Mental health like physical health is something that needs to be maintained. Medical doctors typically recommend routine annual visits to maintain physical health and prevent illness. Avoiding recommended appointments or being inconsistent with vitamins or medications that help maintain physical health can lead to negative health outcomes. Unfortunately, our society does not recognize mental health with the same importance as we do physical health, which leads to many individuals lacking the skills needed to navigate daily stressors. Therapists can provide support and guidance through day to day stressors as well as assist in building an effective self- care routine to maintain mental health.
Starting therapy can feel intimidating or scary to individuals who have never tried it or who may have had a negative experience with therapy in the past. It is okay to feel this way! Therapists can provide a nonjudgmental and validating environment to talk about any uncomfortable emotions about the process. If you have had a negative experience in the past, remember that therapists and treatment modalities are not one size fits all. When you are inquiring about therapy it is okay to communicate what does and does not work for you in order to find a therapist that fits your needs.
Additional barriers to seeking out therapy include finances and time. Therapy is an investment in you. Engaging in regular maintenance appointments leads to reduced risk of future episodes or need for more expensive and time consuming higher level of care treatment. Parents often have difficulty finding time for therapy due to prioritizing their kids’ needs. Seeking therapeutic support as a parent can not only help you become a better individual and parent but is a wonderful way to model self- care and self- respect for your child.
Though our lives are as busy as ever, therapy is becoming more and more convenient with options for in- person, virtual, evening, and weekend appointments. Research different options and find a therapist and treatment option that works best for you. Whether or not you are navigating a particular stressor or crisis event, therapy is a resource that continues to serve a purpose throughout all of life’s ups and downs!