Recently I was having a conversation with an 18 year old high school student about what I do for a living. When I shared that I was a mental health counselor, she exclaimed, “Oh I love therapy!” It’s not often I hear that kind of exuberance about going to therapy. There were obviously no roadblocks in her attitudes about therapy. I often notice that many people in society feel hesitant or reluctant to seek therapy, held back by stigma, misconceptions, or a fear of being judged.
One of the most persistent barriers is the stigma surrounding mental health. In many cultures, seeking professional help is seen as a sign of weakness or inadequacy. People fear being labeled as “unstable” or “incapable,” which can lead to judgment or discrimination. This stigma discourages open conversations about mental health making it harder for individuals to acknowledge their struggles and reach out for help.
The cost of mental health care is another significant hurdle. Therapy sessions can be expensive, but there are affordable community based clinics, like The Refuge Center for Counseling, that provide sliding scales to help with the cost.
Personal fears and mistrust of the mental health care system can also prevent people from seeking treatment. Some individuals worry about confidentiality and fear that their personal struggles might be exposed to others. Others may have had negative past experiences with therapists.
Internalized beliefs can also act as barriers. Many people may not recognize the signs of mental illness or they may even downplay their need for help. People often convince themselves that their struggles are not severe enough to warrant professional help or believe they should be able to handle their problems alone. This belief can lead to prolonged suffering and prevent individuals from seeking help.
The first time I ever went to therapy, I was 24 years old. I didn’t tell anyone I was going, for the reasons mentioned above. It felt a bit shameful to admit that I needed help. But the more I went to therapy, the more I realized that I was actually giving myself a very valuable gift. It truly is a proactive step towards understand yourself better and improving your well-being. It is a sign of strength, not weakness. I always walked away from my sessions feeling less overwhelmed, more equipped with tools to handle my challenges, and most importantly, feeling a lot less alone in life.
Most of us are familiar with the shocking news of U.S. Olympic Gymnast Simone Biles dropping out of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic competition, citing mental health struggles. I followed Biles closely after that and was encouraged to hear her openly discuss taking care of her mental health. Public conversations like these change the social landscape. This transparency helps individuals who are struggling. It also normalizes prioritizing our mental health, reducing the stigma, shame and isolation that surround mental illness. Simone Biles credited her return to the Paris Olympics this year to being “in a really good spot mentally.” She described her devotion to weekly therapy as “kinda religious.” I love that!
Seeking therapy is an act of courage and self-care. The journey to mental health is deeply personal, but it starts with the recognition that seeking help is a valuable gift that can transform your life.
