10 Sneaky Signs That You Should Probably Go to Therapy

By: Jessica Taylor, LPC

Have you been wondering if you should go see a therapist, but are unsure of whether your “problems” are appropriate for therapy? A lot of people have been taught, or assume, that therapy is only meant for people struggling with mental illness. And that is definitely a good reason to go to therapy. The American Psychiatric Association defines mental illness as: one of the conditions (included in the DSM 5) involving changes in emotion, thinking and/or behavior, that then cause distress in at least one area of life (home, work, school, relationships, etc.)

If you feel as though your current experience aligns with that definition of mental illness, it is definitely time to seek support. In addition, if you are having negative thoughts, or not feeling safe, reach out to someone for help right now. Either call a loved one or a crisis center in your area. Here is the website for the national suicide help line.

This list is not meant to describe symptoms of severe mental health issues, but rather some signs that you might not be aware of and that can kind of sneak up on you.

10 Sneaky Signs That You Should Probably Go to Therapy

You feel like you are burdening loved ones by venting to them.
- Therapy is a great place to vent! And you are not going to burden or annoy your therapist, because they are literally paid to listen.

You’re going through a life transition.

Here are some examples of life transitions that therapy can help you navigate: divorce (or ending of any type of relationship), death, job loss, moving to a new place, etc.

You are having trouble getting out of bed and/or you are feeling tired all day.
- Sure, sometimes we are just extra tired. But it is not normal to consistently struggle to get out of bed, or to feel exhausted all day. This might be a sign of depression or other mood disorders.

You are more irritable or angry more often.
- Anger is often a secondary emotion. This means that we are externally exhibiting anger, but it is covering up a primary emotion, such as anxiety or loneliness. If you are finding yourself getting angry more often, or more intensely, but are unsure of why that is happening, a therapist can help you figure it out. And then give you the tools to improve your baseline mood.

You need help making a decision.
- Making decisions can be hard! A therapist is an unbiased third party, so they will not have any stake in what decision you make. They be able to help you lay out all your options, in order to make the best decision possible.

You have noticed that you have been struggling to keep relationships.
- Wondering why you can’t sustain a friendship or love relationship? A therapist can help you examine situations more clearly, so that you can figure out if there is anything within your control for which you can take action steps to change.

Your sleep is messed up (trouble falling or staying asleep or experiencing nightmares or vivid dreams that are waking you up.)
- Issues with insomnia or nightmares on a consistent basis are often associated with anxiety.

8. You have suddenly lost or gained weight (and this is not a symptom of a medical diagnosis.)

- Changes in weight can at times be an indicator of increased stress, symptoms of an eating disorder, etc.

You are isolating yourself more than usual.
- Often, when we are struggling emotionally, we use avoidance as a coping skill. Distancing yourself from loved ones or social situations in general is often a sign that something is going on, which might require therapy.

You want to!

It’s totally fine if you just want to see what all of the fuss is about! I have worked with clients who did not feel as though they were struggling, but had heard good things about therapy and just wanted to check it out.

If your reason for seeking therapy is not on this list, the best way to find out if your “issues” (therapists call these the “presenting problems”) are appropriate for therapy, is to just call a therapy office you are interested in and speak to someone about it. Any intake coordinator will be happy to take the time necessary to answer any of your questions.