While your friends may come in handy when you need to talk to someone and vent your feelings, it would be futile to believe that they can replace your therapist. Whenever you need help, you should turn to BetterHelp where you will get professional help.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 in every 6 adults in the US will experience some kind of mental health issues in any given year. While friends and family can be great people to express your emotions to, they are not trained mental health professionals. Some people go a step further and share stuff about their mental health issues online, especially social media, looking for help. But just like your peers, they too are not the right people to seek advice from.
Here are the reasons why therapists are better:
Nothing is personal
A therapist doesn’t know you personally because of which you can easily speak whatever is on your mind with them. They won’t judge you for harboring any emotions or feelings towards people as well. When talking to your friends, you might have to consider their own feelings and emotions as well. Sometimes, you may be judged because your friends aren’t trained to handle these emotions.
In any interpersonal relationship settings, people who constantly discuss their mental health problems come off as needy. Others may not be ready to give you such attention, and this may take a toll on their own health and your relationship with them as well.
Therapists don’t brush things off
It is common for friends and family members to brush off a problem because they have no idea how to manage it. They may consider depression as general sadness and ask you to “cheer up” which may not always be possible for you. Therapists, on the other hand, understand what you are going through and can analyze the deep personal issues that other people in your life may not.
Another issue with friends is that they may want to see you happy so they often agree with whatever you have to say, just so you could be at peace. A therapist doesn’t have an agenda like this. They understand all your symptoms and why you may be feeling low or irritable and suggests the right treatment for it.
Social media doesn’t keep secrets
You may trust your friends with life that they will hold your secrets, but social media does nothing like this. Your problems are projected to the world which may not always be the right way to find help. Social media, apart from all the positive messages, is also a place where bullying is rampant.
People may not be kind to your issues, and this could make you feel sadder and more prone to go down the negative spiral. Avoid writing about your constant emotional struggles on social channels and go see a therapist in private. Your mental health issues should be kept private between you and your therapist.
We need to stop stigmatizing mental health care and start visiting professionals who can really handle our troubles. If you are ready to take a step for the better, visit https://www.betterhelp.com/therapists/.
