Are My Problems Too Small for Therapy?
Contemporary data reflects an increasing prevalence of mental health challenges among Americans. Factors such as economic instability, social isolation, political polarization, and global crises have demonstrably impacted collective mental well-being on both a national and global scale. These stressors can exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions and contribute to the development of new ones. The constant accessibility of news and social media can further amplify individual distress by exposing individuals to the suffering of others
Despite the presence of these widespread stressors, many individuals hesitate to seek mental health support, often believing they are not “suffering enough.” This may manifest as a sense that one's personal struggles are insufficient to warrant professional care, perhaps accompanied by thoughts such as “other people have it so much worse than I do”. This phenomenon is not unlike imposter syndrome in the context of mental health, can lead individuals to minimize their own needs, even when evidence suggests that therapeutic intervention could be beneficial.
While life crises and stressful events often motivate individuals to seek therapeutic support, a multitude of other valid reasons exist for engaging in therapy. Many clients pursue therapy to gain deeper self-understanding, address personal challenges, and develop enhanced coping mechanisms to navigate adversity and cultivate resilience. A major life event or tragedy is not a pre-requisite for deserving a therapeutic experience!
Individuals may seek therapy even when their lives appear outwardly successful. Contrary to what many might believe, many clients are high-functioning individuals with stable employment, fulfilling relationships, and a general sense of security. While their lives may appear objectively positive, they may nonetheless experience a sense of unworthiness, fears about the future, or dissatisfaction in their life.
Here are 5 common topics that individuals may come to therapy for help with, that have nothing to do with a crisis event. And, I must say, as a therapist I really enjoy working with all of them and do not consider them small at all!
Grieving a past version of yourself – This can be a profoundly challenging experience. Many individuals find themselves grieving the loss of a former sense of self. This transition may be triggered by life events such as parenthood, physical changes due to injury, illness, or the natural aging process. These transitions can evoke a range of complex and valid emotions.
Help with establishing healthy routines and meeting goals - Do you find yourself repeatedly setting goals, only to lose motivation and abandon them midway? Therapy can help illuminate the underlying reasons for such patterns of behavior. A skilled therapist can assist you in establishing realistic, value-aligned goals and developing sustainable habits to achieve them.
Low self-esteem - Therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals grappling with feelings of inadequacy, whether related to career, body image, relationships, or overall self-worth.
Emotional Regulation – learning to name and work with your emotions can be meaningful and impactful. Self awareness is an underrated skill which can positively impact many areas of life!
Having a safe space to reflect and process – Perhaps you just need someone to listen. We all just need a little time to share, reflect, and connect.
If you find yourself hesitant to seek therapy, despite believing it could be beneficial, I encourage you to prioritize your well-being and reach out for support. Perhaps in an unexpected way, unpacking that imposter syndrome feeling may be the perfect place to start.