Tag Archives: psychological problems
Psychotherapy: An Overview
If one really thinks about it, the 21st century is riddled with all kinds of psychological problems. You hear of depression, suicides, cutting, substance abuse, and the like, running rampant in the world. Every individual has faced some kind of complication more than once in his life, be it troubles at home, in the workplace, or within any other site of social interaction. Sometimes such issues are intensified so much that one cannot help but feel as though the light at the end of the tunnel is but a mere fallacy. You feel lonely, betrayed, and above all, develop a cynical perspective of life. There seems to be no hope left.
The belief that you are the only one with insurmountable burdens is not true. You aren’t alone!
Various statistics can give a broader understanding of the prevalence of such troubled individuals. The National Institute of Mental Health, for example, has stated that more than a quarter of the adults living in America suffer from mental disorders such as depression or anxiety, just to name a few. Other than these, a variety of common, everyday life issues, like unemployment, peer pressure, death of a loved one, relationship break ups, and perhaps something as superficial as appearance and weight may acquire a level that could be crippling to the very person’s well-being. This wide array of difficulties may have varying time scales. Some could be short term hindrances whereas others could be occurring for a long time.
Why Psychotherapy?
Millions of Americans have benefited from consulting a psychologist and going through therapy. It has helped them overcome depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. However, in spite of the positive results provided by psychotherapy, many people still find it uncomfortable to consult a therapist or in some cases, to continue and sustain the therapy.
The most important question revolves around the fact as to why one should consider consulting a therapist. To understand this, one must first understand what the therapy is all about. Therapy is a partnership and a professional relationship between an individual and the therapist, who aims at dissolving the client’s distress. The therapist is usually a trained individual who is licensed to help people. He is trained to understand the client’s feelings and help them in altering their behavior in a positive direction. Facts provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration show that about one-thirds of the adults in the United States suffer from substance abuse related problems from a very early age, and, consequently, face emotional distress. Almost 25 percent of the population suffers from anxiety and depression at one point or another.
How to Choose a Psychologist or Psychotherapist
There are always times when things might not feel right. You may be perplexed, you may not like what is happening around you and you might be disturbed by what happens in your life. This is when you would want an expert to listen and discuss what is plaguing you.
Sometimes, everyday problems can seem beyond the control of a person. People become overwhelmed because of the death of a parent, spouse, or a friend, losing a pet, work and career-related troubles, and many other issues. In such a case, a person needs an outlet; he or she needs to talk to someone to let out these feelings. If such an issue is left untreated for long, there may be chances that a person may be left depressed, anxious, and disturbed. This is when such a person will need help from a trained professional, someone who would listen to them and someone who would be able to give them advice on how to deal with such a situation when they are confronted by it. Someone who will empower them to resolve the problems and take their lives back.
Psychotherapy – Movies vs. Reality
Someone suggested that you see a psychologist… Psychologist? No way! After watching all these movies and TV shows, you know what a psychologist is and what this person does. Who doesn’t?! Isn’t he the crazy doc with German accent wearing a large shiny disc on his forehead and an insane grin on his face? Think Jack Nicholson type. Of course, there is also a “boring version” of a psychologist repeating “tell me more about it” and watching the clock… No, I don’t need this one either.
Let’s start with surprising statement that media slightly distorts how psychologists work. Let’s have a look at movie inspired wisdom and reality.
What movies make you believe?
Mentally unstable and deranged people wearing straightjackets are the only ones to go to psychotherapy.
