How Therapy Is Breaking Walls And Helping People Thrive ?

Mental health issues are not new – they have been there as long as there have been people on the planet. People with mental health issues in the Middle ages were believed to be possessed or in need of religion. Mental illnesses were also thought to be a form of religious punishment.

In those days, Hippocrates came up with treatments that did not include religion or superstition. He created treatments that focused on changing the patients’ environment, occupation or administering certain medications.

Negative attitudes towards mental illness persisted well into the 18^th century – when mental illness was stigmatized. The mentally ill people were often confined in unhygienic and degrading conditions. Fast forward to today, these attitudes towards mental illnesses have not changed.

Currently, one in five Americans struggles with a mental health condition. Research shows that there are effective treatments for mental health conditions. As time goes on, there is higher research destigmatizing mental health issues, and therapy has become an open option.

With evolving mental health resources, more and more Americans have access to the true benefits of therapy. Insurance agencies are now mandated to cover and treat mental health conditions.

What Is Psychotherapy?

Millions of Americans have benefitted from psychotherapy or talk therapy. It can help people overcome trauma and develop coping skills for the future. Therapy is also beneficial in helping people understand their goals and achieve them.

Therapy is a safe space to explore moods and behaviors. Having a mental health professional to talk to might give you new insight into an existing problem. They can also help with emotions, self-esteem, relationships, and life outlooks.

It can be incredibly beneficial to the depressed, anxious, those who have faced trauma, have Obsessions/Compulsions, or any other issue.

How Does Psychotherapy Help?

A psychologist can help you figure out the root of your issues and help you live a happier, healthier, and productive life. Psychologists use proven methods to help people develop healthy coping mechanisms through various kinds of therapy.

Psychotherapy is a treatment based on the relationship between an individual and their psychologist. There are many approaches to therapy, including cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, and other kinds of talk therapy. All these methods are designed to help people work through their issues.

Talk therapy is grounded in dialogue and provides a supportive environment to speak freely with someone who’s objective, neutral, and nonjudgmental. You and your therapist work together to determine and change the patterns that don’t help you.

When done, you will have the ability not only to solve the problem you arrived with but also solve future problems on your own. You will also have new coping mechanisms to help you with whatever challenge lies ahead.

When Should You Consider Psychotherapy?

There are many misconceptions about therapy, which might discourage people from seeking it. You may feel nervous even if you know the realities. Some people get therapy due to their prolonged depression, anxiety, and anger.

Overcoming your fear is worth it, as therapy can help you achieve the quality of life you want to have. Others may want therapy for a chronic condition affecting their emotional and physical health. While others still might need help navigating their short-term problems like divorce, graduation, or grief.

If you are facing anything like this, you could benefit from therapy:

• Overwhelmed with sadness and helplessness
• Your issues don’t get better despite help from loved ones
• Difficulty concentrating on work and carrying out routine activities
• You constantly worry and feel on edge
• Your actions are harming you and others around you

Does Psychotherapy Work?

Research shows that people who have had therapy function better and relieve symptoms. Research also shows that therapy can help improve emotions and behavior. There is also a link with positive changes in the mind and body.

About 75% of people who have seen therapists benefit from it. These benefits include fewer medical problems, fewer sick days, increased work satisfaction, and less disability. Using brain imaging techniques, researchers have studied the brain changes after someone has been to therapy.

Many studies have discovered brain changes in people with mental illness due to continual therapy. In most cases, the changes in the brain from therapy and medication were very similar. When getting therapy, approach it as a collaborative effort.

Be honest and open about what you’re feeling; therapy is a nonjudgmental space. Follow what your therapist says diligently and notice your progress – whether it’s through a journal or by practicing your coping mechanisms.

The Bottom Line

Therapy can help people in many ways. If people are aware and take care of your mental health, they can prevent problems from worsening and becoming irreversible. Anyone can enjoy the benefits of therapy – regardless of the severity of their issues.

Therapy gives people relief from symptoms and enhances their quality of life. As people tend to lose themselves when fighting mental illness, therapy can help them be themselves again. Everyone has emotional challenges, and there are more solutions today than ever before. Nobody is alone.