Should I Really Start Therapy Just for Minor Symptoms?

/ Hidden River Counseling/

Many people think that therapy is only necessary when their mental health is in crisis. Often clients wait until their symptoms start to affect their ability to function, making it difficult to maintain work, school, or relationships. 

But one thing therapists wish that patients knew is that investing in your mental health before things get bad can often stave off any major problems in the first place. 

Tending to your mental health is like taking care of your car. You can wait until it breaks down on the side of the road, but you’re better off performing regular maintenance so that break-downs are far less likely. 

Reasons to invest in your mental health before a crisis

Beyond giving clients a buffer from major dysfunction, therapy can also improve the quality of life overall. Therapists help with everyday problems like managing stress, implementing better boundaries, or becoming more shame-resilient. Whatever you want to work on, a therapist can help. 

  • A therapist can help you improve self-esteem, change negative thought patterns, identify problematic relationships, and practice discernment around major life decisions like switching careers or becoming a parent.

  • Building rapport with a therapist is also a good insurance policy. It can be helpful to establish a relationship with a therapist so that if something major does occur – like losing a loved one or a job – you already have a professional who knows your history and is ready to offer support.

  • Taking care of your mental health when you’re only experiencing mild symptoms of depression or anxiety can help you prevent a bigger crisis. A therapist can give you the tools you need to manage your difficult feelings, so that they don’t “snowball” or get worse. 

  • Finding a therapist is a process. It may take some time and energy to search for potential therapists in your area and set up an initial visit to make sure the person is a good fit. Taking these steps may be easier before depression or anxiety take hold. 

What are some non-crisis reasons to start therapy?

Therapists help clients with lots of different problems. Even if you don’t get a formal diagnosis, you may benefit from talking to a therapist about “garden variety” challenges. Here are some common reasons that clients seek out assistance from a counselor: 

  • Improve communication with your spouse or family members 

  • Navigate major life transitions like having a child, getting married or divorced, or retiring

  • Learn to confront friends or loved ones in a healthy way rather than become resentful 

  • Become more assertive or confident

  • Decide which vocation to pursue

  • Gather support when moving to a new city 

  • Process childhood wounds 

  • Enlist support in treating an addiction 

  • Get help in dealing with a difficult family member 

  • Learn coping skills for common conditions like ADHD, depression, anxiety, etc.

When is the right time to find a therapist? 

There’s no wrong time to find a therapist, but waiting until you’re in poor mental health can make it harder. Clients often fare better when they start the process when they’re in a “good place” psychologically, rather than waiting until they’re struggling. 

It can also be helpful to seek out a therapist when you’re approaching a significant life transition, like getting married or graduating from college and joining the workforce. Even though they’re positive, these big changes can sometimes trigger unexpected challenges, and it’s a good idea to have a support system in place. 

How to find the right therapist 

There are so many factors in choosing the right therapist for your needs. Location and area of expertise can affect your fit with a therapist just as much as their sex and belief systems. You may feel more comfortable with a therapist who shares your religious beliefs, for example. Like any relationship, there’s also a certain amount of client-therapist “chemistry” that goes into play. You may click with one counselor more than another, and so it can be helpful to spend the necessary time to find the right person. 

  • Decide your must-haves. You may be most comfortable with someone who’s the same sex as you, or shares your belief system. Or you may want someone with expertise in a particular area, like PTSD or postpartum depression. Many therapists post profiles with their background and specialties on their websites. 

  • If you have health insurance, find out what your mental health benefits are. Then see which therapists are in your network. If you don’t have insurance or want to see a therapist who doesn’t take it, figure out pricing and how that can fit into your budget. 

  • Read client reviews, if available, of ask a trusted friend if they have a recommendation.

  • Decide if you’d rather see a therapist in person or through Zoom. 

  • Set up an initial consultation and see if your therapist feels like a good fit. 

Getting started 

Seeking mental health support is like caring for any other part of your body. It’s better to seek help early, when you have a sore ankle, for example, than waiting until you can’t walk. 

But even if you’re already struggling, you’re never too late to get the help you need. Therapists are trained to offer support, insights, and tools to help clients with everyday challenges, as well as more serious mental health conditions. While some clients start therapy for an existing condition, others want support navigating everyday challenges around work and relationships. 

Reaching out to our practice is an easy first step in finding a therapist who can give you the tools you need to thrive, no matter where you’re starting. We want you to remember that you are not alone, and we are here to help.