Source: Pexels
Let me guess, you’ve thought about seeing a therapist, but you brushed it off, again. You probably think the problem will go away on its own. Or it’s too much of a hassle to set an appointment. Not to mention that painful dent in your wallet.
Our daily grind can make prioritizing our mental health challenging. After all, emotional hurdles are a part of life and we often bounce back eventually. But how about the times we don’t bounce back? How long should we wait until we reach for a little helping hand? And how do we identify when exactly those times are?
Source: Pexels
Therapy isn’t exclusive to those diagnosed with mental illnesses. Rather, it’s equally, if not more beneficial when you’re experiencing life changes that are new or stressful. These changes in our emotions, behaviour, and thoughts directly impact our physical health, performance, and relationships. Hence, it’s essential to pay attention to them and seek help before things get out of hand.
It is important to recognise and address mental health concerns early, as doing so is essential for overall well-being. Addressing mental health concerns is a sign of strength, not weakness, and mental illness is treatable with the right support. Many people do not seek help for mental health conditions because they equate them with illness, which is commonly stigmatised.
There are various forms of professional mental health support available, such as counselling services, psychotherapy, and other resources designed to help individuals manage mental health concerns. These services can provide guidance, support, and effective strategies for coping.
Negative perceptions of mental health are often reinforced by media portrayals and societal attitudes, contributing to both public stigma (society's negative beliefs about asking for help) and self-stigma (when individuals internalise these negative beliefs). Educating ourselves and others about mental health can help break down stigma, and promoting open and honest conversations about mental illness can create a more supportive environment.
Here are some critical signs that it’s time for you to seek professional help:
It’s totally normal to feel sad, anxious, or angry at times. It's also okay to feel angry, even if you don't fully understand why—recognizing and accepting emotions like anger is an important part of emotional awareness. However, be aware of how often or how intensely you feel these emotions. A therapist can help you recognize what triggers intense emotions and identify how you normally respond to such triggers.
If your emotions feel persistent, overwhelming, or disproportionate to your situation, such as uncontrolled
For example, rage is often a part of a depressive presentation in men1. However, their depression is often overlooked because their temper is falsely seen as a masculine trait. Uncontrolled rage can also reflect someone’s poor regulation of stress or anxiety.
Poor mental health can impair concentration, attention, energy, and memory. All of which drain fulfillment and drive for work or school (2). Keeping tabs on our performance is helpful because a dip in well-being is often correlated to more errors and hazards at work (3).
For instance, if you’re a doctor, driver, or machinery operator, subpar performance can be risky for yourself and others. Therapy can prevent these accidents by teaching you adaptive ways to regulate stress and difficult emotions so that you can thrive safely at work.
Our mental state is strongly related to our physical state. That's why mental health issues often profoundly impact our sleep and appetite (4). So, if you notice that you’ve been eating or sleeping either more or less than usual, it’s time to seriously assess the situation.
On top of that, psychological issues affect our central nervous system (5). This cascades further into other organs supporting our endocrine, immune, and cardiovascular systems. Research has even confirmed that poor mental health manifests into headaches, fatigue, muscle aches, and colds (6). So, if you've been suffering from unexplainable physical ails for a while, do consult a trained health professional.
We tend to isolate ourselves from others when we’re down in the dumps. Anxieties relating to social situations may also arise from attachment issues, fear of confrontation, or poor boundaries. All of which can take a massive toll on our existing and new relationships.
Therapy can guide you to navigate social situations you feel uncomfortable with. For example, therapists begin by exploring problems interfering with your relationships. Then, they piece together skills and tools to help you establish healthy boundaries and communication styles.
People with a history of abuse, chronic illness or injury, or major loss will strongly benefit from therapy to process the distress that goes along with these events. Traumatic events can be both big and small. Whether it’s a breakup, divorce, or death of a loved one, overcoming these situations is indeed a painful process.
Nevertheless, professional support allows you to explore difficult experiences in a safe and compassionate space. A therapist can also help you reframe traumatic events and help you break free from the control past events have over you.
The feeling of disinterest and emptiness is also known as anhedonia. And it's a common side effect of depression and grief. Additional signs include isolation, apathy, and even wishing they weren’t alive.
If you’ve been feeling disengaged from activities you used to enjoy, therapy can help you figure out what's causing this emptiness and reconnect with what brings you joy.
Some people turn to substances or behaviors that are numbing, stimulating, or distracting to cope with emotional stress. This includes overindulging in alcohol, drugs, and even food. Playing video games or binge-watching Netflix can also become unhealthy if you use them to avoid solving problems.
These coping methods may temporarily alleviate uncomfortable emotions like anxiety, irritability, and negative thoughts. However, it exacerbates these feelings in the long run, leading to dependence and substance abuse. Therefore, if you or a loved one is struggling with this, it’s encouraged to seek professional help as soon as possible.
From weight loss, and money management, to career goals, obstacles in these pursuits are unavoidable. Luckily, a therapist can help you overcome the emotional barriers as you head for the finish line. Even Olympic athletes need professional help to mentally prepare for a big match. And many successful entrepreneurs have mentors to prepare them for challenging business hurdles.
Psychologists are there to help you build more mental clarity, focus better, and be more task-oriented. They also address issues related to motivation, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome. Enlisting professional coaching can greatly enhance your progress and prevent you from feeling stuck.
So, if you’re still on the fence about whether to see a therapist, it’s probably an indicator in itself that you should. If you feel unable to cope with challenges on your own, seeking professional help is important. Developing coping skills is a key part of mental health support and therapy, helping you manage stress and difficult emotions. Don’t hesitate to talk to trusted friends, family, or professionals about your feelings, open communication is a crucial step toward well-being.
You may ease yourself with more affordable resources such as employee assistance programs and online therapy. Just remember that seeking professional support doesn’t mean you’re broken. Rather, you’re taking the leap to become a better and healthier version of yourself!
Setting up regular check-ins can help monitor a loved one's situation without overwhelming them. Creating a supportive environment by surrounding yourself with family and friends who offer encouragement and understanding also makes a significant difference.
We have MHFR@Work, a programme for workplaces that equips teams with practical skills to support mental health challenges and foster a culture of care. This is created to help you and others who need easier access to therapists, and to raise awareness about the importance of mental health in the workplace.
Read other Therapy Related Resources:
Taking the first step to seek support for mental health issues can feel overwhelming, but it’s one of the most important decisions you can make for your well-being. Many people hesitate to reach out because of stigma, uncertainty about where to start, or fear of being judged. Educating yourself about mental health challenges and available resources can make the process feel less daunting.
Building a support system is crucial. Lean on family members, friends, or support groups who can offer encouragement and understanding. Sometimes, simply having someone accompany you to your first appointment can make a big difference. Mental health professionals provide a safe, non-judgmental space to discuss your concerns, explore your emotions, and develop a personalised treatment plan.
Recognising common warning signs can help you know when it’s time to reach out, such as:
Relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation may offer temporary relief, but long-term recovery often requires guidance from a therapist, doctor, or counsellor. In some cases, medication may also be recommended — always in collaboration with a qualified health professional.
If you or a loved one is struggling, immediate support is available through crisis text lines and online resources that provide guidance during moments of distress. Support groups and counselling services can also foster a sense of connection and community, which is especially helpful when managing chronic or ongoing mental health conditions.
Self-care practices — such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and relaxation techniques — can complement professional treatment and help you cope with daily stressors. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By prioritising your mental health and reaching out for support, you take a powerful step toward greater well-being.
Overcoming barriers to seeking help isn’t always easy, but support and guidance are always within reach. With the right resources and professional care, you can manage your mental health challenges and move forward with confidence. If you’re considering reaching out, remember: you deserve support — and help is available.
💼 Want to build a healthier and more resilient organisation? Drop us a note here to get a free organisational wellbeing assessment and a free demo of ThoughtFull’s seamless end-to-end mental wellbeing program.
👤 Looking for a professional to support your personal mental wellness journey? Download our app on the App Store and Google Play to connect with your best-fit certified ThoughtFull Professional today!
Source: Pexels
Let me guess, you’ve thought about seeing a therapist, but you brushed it off, again. You probably think the problem will go away on its own. Or it’s too much of a hassle to set an appointment. Not to mention that painful dent in your wallet.
Our daily grind can make prioritizing our mental health challenging. After all, emotional hurdles are a part of life and we often bounce back eventually. But how about the times we don’t bounce back? How long should we wait until we reach for a little helping hand? And how do we identify when exactly those times are?
Source: Pexels
Therapy isn’t exclusive to those diagnosed with mental illnesses. Rather, it’s equally, if not more beneficial when you’re experiencing life changes that are new or stressful. These changes in our emotions, behaviour, and thoughts directly impact our physical health, performance, and relationships. Hence, it’s essential to pay attention to them and seek help before things get out of hand.
It is important to recognise and address mental health concerns early, as doing so is essential for overall well-being. Addressing mental health concerns is a sign of strength, not weakness, and mental illness is treatable with the right support. Many people do not seek help for mental health conditions because they equate them with illness, which is commonly stigmatised.
There are various forms of professional mental health support available, such as counselling services, psychotherapy, and other resources designed to help individuals manage mental health concerns. These services can provide guidance, support, and effective strategies for coping.
Negative perceptions of mental health are often reinforced by media portrayals and societal attitudes, contributing to both public stigma (society's negative beliefs about asking for help) and self-stigma (when individuals internalise these negative beliefs). Educating ourselves and others about mental health can help break down stigma, and promoting open and honest conversations about mental illness can create a more supportive environment.
Here are some critical signs that it’s time for you to seek professional help:
It’s totally normal to feel sad, anxious, or angry at times. It's also okay to feel angry, even if you don't fully understand why—recognizing and accepting emotions like anger is an important part of emotional awareness. However, be aware of how often or how intensely you feel these emotions. A therapist can help you recognize what triggers intense emotions and identify how you normally respond to such triggers.
If your emotions feel persistent, overwhelming, or disproportionate to your situation, such as uncontrolled
For example, rage is often a part of a depressive presentation in men1. However, their depression is often overlooked because their temper is falsely seen as a masculine trait. Uncontrolled rage can also reflect someone’s poor regulation of stress or anxiety.
Poor mental health can impair concentration, attention, energy, and memory. All of which drain fulfillment and drive for work or school (2). Keeping tabs on our performance is helpful because a dip in well-being is often correlated to more errors and hazards at work (3).
For instance, if you’re a doctor, driver, or machinery operator, subpar performance can be risky for yourself and others. Therapy can prevent these accidents by teaching you adaptive ways to regulate stress and difficult emotions so that you can thrive safely at work.
Our mental state is strongly related to our physical state. That's why mental health issues often profoundly impact our sleep and appetite (4). So, if you notice that you’ve been eating or sleeping either more or less than usual, it’s time to seriously assess the situation.
On top of that, psychological issues affect our central nervous system (5). This cascades further into other organs supporting our endocrine, immune, and cardiovascular systems. Research has even confirmed that poor mental health manifests into headaches, fatigue, muscle aches, and colds (6). So, if you've been suffering from unexplainable physical ails for a while, do consult a trained health professional.
We tend to isolate ourselves from others when we’re down in the dumps. Anxieties relating to social situations may also arise from attachment issues, fear of confrontation, or poor boundaries. All of which can take a massive toll on our existing and new relationships.
Therapy can guide you to navigate social situations you feel uncomfortable with. For example, therapists begin by exploring problems interfering with your relationships. Then, they piece together skills and tools to help you establish healthy boundaries and communication styles.
People with a history of abuse, chronic illness or injury, or major loss will strongly benefit from therapy to process the distress that goes along with these events. Traumatic events can be both big and small. Whether it’s a breakup, divorce, or death of a loved one, overcoming these situations is indeed a painful process.
Nevertheless, professional support allows you to explore difficult experiences in a safe and compassionate space. A therapist can also help you reframe traumatic events and help you break free from the control past events have over you.
The feeling of disinterest and emptiness is also known as anhedonia. And it's a common side effect of depression and grief. Additional signs include isolation, apathy, and even wishing they weren’t alive.
If you’ve been feeling disengaged from activities you used to enjoy, therapy can help you figure out what's causing this emptiness and reconnect with what brings you joy.
Some people turn to substances or behaviors that are numbing, stimulating, or distracting to cope with emotional stress. This includes overindulging in alcohol, drugs, and even food. Playing video games or binge-watching Netflix can also become unhealthy if you use them to avoid solving problems.
These coping methods may temporarily alleviate uncomfortable emotions like anxiety, irritability, and negative thoughts. However, it exacerbates these feelings in the long run, leading to dependence and substance abuse. Therefore, if you or a loved one is struggling with this, it’s encouraged to seek professional help as soon as possible.
From weight loss, and money management, to career goals, obstacles in these pursuits are unavoidable. Luckily, a therapist can help you overcome the emotional barriers as you head for the finish line. Even Olympic athletes need professional help to mentally prepare for a big match. And many successful entrepreneurs have mentors to prepare them for challenging business hurdles.
Psychologists are there to help you build more mental clarity, focus better, and be more task-oriented. They also address issues related to motivation, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome. Enlisting professional coaching can greatly enhance your progress and prevent you from feeling stuck.
So, if you’re still on the fence about whether to see a therapist, it’s probably an indicator in itself that you should. If you feel unable to cope with challenges on your own, seeking professional help is important. Developing coping skills is a key part of mental health support and therapy, helping you manage stress and difficult emotions. Don’t hesitate to talk to trusted friends, family, or professionals about your feelings, open communication is a crucial step toward well-being.
You may ease yourself with more affordable resources such as employee assistance programs and online therapy. Just remember that seeking professional support doesn’t mean you’re broken. Rather, you’re taking the leap to become a better and healthier version of yourself!
Setting up regular check-ins can help monitor a loved one's situation without overwhelming them. Creating a supportive environment by surrounding yourself with family and friends who offer encouragement and understanding also makes a significant difference.
We have MHFR@Work, a programme for workplaces that equips teams with practical skills to support mental health challenges and foster a culture of care. This is created to help you and others who need easier access to therapists, and to raise awareness about the importance of mental health in the workplace.
Read other Therapy Related Resources:
Taking the first step to seek support for mental health issues can feel overwhelming, but it’s one of the most important decisions you can make for your well-being. Many people hesitate to reach out because of stigma, uncertainty about where to start, or fear of being judged. Educating yourself about mental health challenges and available resources can make the process feel less daunting.
Building a support system is crucial. Lean on family members, friends, or support groups who can offer encouragement and understanding. Sometimes, simply having someone accompany you to your first appointment can make a big difference. Mental health professionals provide a safe, non-judgmental space to discuss your concerns, explore your emotions, and develop a personalised treatment plan.
Recognising common warning signs can help you know when it’s time to reach out, such as:
Relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation may offer temporary relief, but long-term recovery often requires guidance from a therapist, doctor, or counsellor. In some cases, medication may also be recommended — always in collaboration with a qualified health professional.
If you or a loved one is struggling, immediate support is available through crisis text lines and online resources that provide guidance during moments of distress. Support groups and counselling services can also foster a sense of connection and community, which is especially helpful when managing chronic or ongoing mental health conditions.
Self-care practices — such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and relaxation techniques — can complement professional treatment and help you cope with daily stressors. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By prioritising your mental health and reaching out for support, you take a powerful step toward greater well-being.
Overcoming barriers to seeking help isn’t always easy, but support and guidance are always within reach. With the right resources and professional care, you can manage your mental health challenges and move forward with confidence. If you’re considering reaching out, remember: you deserve support — and help is available.
💼 Want to build a healthier and more resilient organisation? Drop us a note here to get a free organisational wellbeing assessment and a free demo of ThoughtFull’s seamless end-to-end mental wellbeing program.
👤 Looking for a professional to support your personal mental wellness journey? Download our app on the App Store and Google Play to connect with your best-fit certified ThoughtFull Professional today!
