We all know that asking for help is a hard thing to do. It requires bravery and strength. But what many people don’t realize is that asking for help is also a sign of self awareness. You’re acknowledging that we don’t always have the tools or operating system we need to be the best version of yourself. Working with a counselor can help you to understand yourself – including your strengths, limits and weakness. And together you can develop a better set of tools and thought processes to break through barriers.
Knowing when it’s time to ask for help
Maybe you feel like your functioning is decreasing. Maybe you find yourself feeling more and more overwhelmed as time goes on. Or maybe you’re just not sure if this is getting better or worse, but it’s been going on for a while now.
Whatever the case may be, there are some signs that it might be time to ask for help.
The 3 Top Signs it’s Time to Ask For Help (That I see in my counseling practice in Tampa, FL)
1. Feeling overwhelmed and stressed for no specific reason.
Feeling overwhelmed by stress is a common experience. Stress is a physical and emotional response to the demands of life. The counseling process can help you understand your personal stressors and develop coping skills. Counseling may also be recommended if you feel overwhelmed for no specific reason. This type of counseling can help you manage your stress levels and improve your overall sense of well-being. If you are feeling overwhelmed, remember that counseling can be an effective way to reduce stress and regain control of your life.
2. Trouble focusing or feeling mentally foggy.
Feeling mentally foggy or struggling to focus can be extremely frustrating. It can make it difficult to complete even simple tasks, and can lead to feelings of anxiety or depression. If you’re experiencing these problems, counseling may be able to help. Counseling can provide you with tools to deal with stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues that may be affecting your ability to focus. In addition, counseling can also help you to identify any negative thought patterns that may be contributing to your mental fog. If you’re struggling to focus, counseling may be able to help you get back on track.
3. Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.
It’s normal to lose interest in activities you once enjoyed from time to time. Maybe you don’t feel like going to the gym or painting like you used to. Or maybe you’re just not as interested in your hobby as you used to be. Usually, this is nothing to worry about and is simply a phase. However, if you find that you’re consistently losing interest in activities and that this is impacting your quality of life, it may be time to seek counseling. A counselor can help you explore the reasons behind your loss of interest and provide guidance on how to regain passion in your life. Counseling can also help you develop coping mechanisms for dealing with any underlying issues that may be contributing to your feelings of apathy.
The Top 3 ways to create space when you’re feeling overwhelmed and re-fill your cup.
1. Take a break from all electronics – including your phone, computer and TV. Get outside and enjoy nature.
2. Spend time with friends and family – laugh, talk and just enjoy their company.
3. Practice self-care – take some time for yourself to relax and rejuvenate. Whether that means reading, taking a long walk, doing a workout or maybe yoga session, make some time to just be present.
Sometimes we need to ask for professional help
Working with a counselor or therapist might feel a little overwhelming at first. How do I find the right counselor? How much will it cost? How can someone even understand me or help me?
Trust me, these are all common questions.
Finding the right therapist is kind of like dating – you both need to be a good fit for each other. The therapeutic relationship and comfort level you develop with your counselor is the most important thing in this relationship.
The good news is that our in person (we also offer virtual counseling sessions) in Tampa, FL are on par with what you will pay for a random counselor on a site like BetterHelp. Sessions run $125 a visit with our licensed expert and holistic counselors in Tampa.
Our counselors have seen everything. They’ve been in the trenches for years – working at in-patient counseling centers and with private clients. The good news is that because of the holistic approach and years of experience our counselors in Tampa have, there isn’t anything they haven’t heard or helped someone with.
Just remember, it’s incredibly brave of you to ask for help. It’s one of the hardest things you can do. We are here to help.