Therapy

When we hear the word therapy, the words that come to mind are usually negative. Words like crazy, unstable, mentally ill, broken, depressed, addict, etc. The fact that the term therapy comes from 'psychotherapy' help either.

However, therapy may not be what you think it is.

Words such as unstable, depressed, broken, etc. are those that are attached to the stigma that prevents people from seeking professional help. I'm sure that many of you who are reading this have attached these words to a person who sees a therapist. I want you to take a step back to understand what therapy really is.

All of us take care of our health by staying physically fit. Physical fitness is important and to

achieve this, we hit the gym, workout, eat nutritious meals, visit the doctor regularly, etc. While it is important to stay physically fit, have you ever thought about the importance of mental health?

Just like we all have a physical health status, we have a mental health status. This mental health status is often viewed as good or bad instead of being viewed as a gradient. If someone is suicidal, that doesn't mean that they are a hopeless case. With the right assistance and support, they can come out of that phase. Thus, mental health, just like physical health, is a gradient.

Going to a therapist doesn't mean that you are crazy or that something is wrong with you. It simply means that you want to work on a better you.

Who goes to a therapist?

ANYONE can go to therapy! Be it a 5-year-old preschooler, a 15-year-old teenager, a 25-year-old young adult, a 45-year-old adult or even a 63-year-old senior citizen. Anyone can benefit from therapy.

Should you see a therapist?

If you want to work on your mental illness if any, or your emotional difficulties, therapy is a

great idea! If you need professional help in other areas, there too therapy has you covered. There are many different kinds of therapy, like sports psychology, behavioural therapy, career

counselling, etc. All in all, therapy is a great idea!

If you don't have a therapist yet, I really think you should get one.

Until then, hang in there:)

Written by Ayra Kamal