5 Reasons People Give for Not Seeking Professional Therapy

One in five adults, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suffer from mental illness, but not all of them seek help from a professional. In actuality, only about 60% of mentally ill adults seek mental health care.

Not seeking treatment for a mental illness can have a variety of negative effects, including an increase in drug or alcohol dependence, an increased risk of suicide, disruptions in daily life, and many more. Many adults continue to do so even though it is dangerous to put off seeking professional assistance. Here are five reasons people give for skipping therapy. and motivation to overcome them.

Common reasons for delaying therapy.

1. “Things aren’t as bad as they seem”.

It’s very common for you to tell yourself and others that things are not that bad, even if you’re dealing with a variety of mental health-related issues. When people in your life notice differences in your behavior or that you’re going through a difficult time, you frequently use this defense.

Even though you are not your normal self, claiming that things are not as bad as they seem is an attempt to allay those worries. This justification, however, hints at a “tough it out” approach to mental health problems, which frequently doesn’t help you overcome them but merely allows them to continue. No one has to suffer in silence.

2. “Therapy is too expensive.”

The cost of therapy is a frequent worry and justification for delaying seeking professional help. Although not always, therapy can be expensive. Insurance may make it more affordable than you think, depending on several cost-related factors.

Some therapists provide sliding scale fees, which indicates that they have space in their practice for patients who require lower fees. Additionally, there might be accessible and inexpensive mental health services nearby that are just waiting to be discovered.

3. “I don’t need therapy.”

Sometimes we think that seeking professional help is a luxury or that it should only be done by those with conditions that seem “worse” than what we are going through. While the majority of adult mental health issues are not initially regarded as severe, if left untreated, they can develop into dangerous conditions.

For instance, minor anxiety or depression that is allowed to fester can develop into major depressive disorder. Before your symptoms become severe or dangerous, you can control them by getting professional assistance.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that a constant state of stress, depression, or anxiety can significantly harm your day-to-day activities. It’s not necessary to “hit rock bottom” for your struggle to merit support and consideration. No matter how things are going, you matter, your quality-of-life matters, and improving your mental health is worthwhile.

Keep in mind the cascading effects of developing better coping strategies, healthier social skills, a positive self-image, and a plan for personal development over time. You will treasure these lifelong lessons for the rest of your days, whether it be how to argue with your partner more effectively, how to transform a negative self-image into a positive one, or how to recover from childhood trauma.

4. “I don’t know where to start.”

There are two excellent places to go if you don’t know where to start when looking for professional assistance. Start by contacting your insurance provider if you have one. Typically, the phone number for your insurance company is located on the back of your insurance card.

You can speak with them directly to find out more about your service coverage and to get recommendations for professionals in your area who are covered. The second choice is to browse a therapist directory online. A list of available therapists in your area can be found here.

5. “I’m too busy.”

We are all aware that life can get hectic and that there may not seem to be any spare time. When we’re thinking about something we don’t feel excited about, this can seem especially true. But it’s worthwhile setting aside some time for expert assistance.

You can learn to manage your mental illness, pursue personal growth in a way that allows you to be your best self, and let go of things that are simply not serving you with the help of a therapist. For that, there is always time.

Five defense mechanisms that are both harmful and protective.

No matter how emotionally stable we are, we all constantly use defense mechanisms. The following are five typical defense mechanisms out of the many different kinds there are:

Humorous personality type.

Surely the best medicine for mental health is laughter, right? Not always. People who use humor to discuss difficult situations frequently have pain underneath that humor. Some people mock themselves to stop others from going first.

Some people embellish unpleasant events with humor to downplay how painful they are. Making light of a struggle is perfectly acceptable, but it’s also crucial to be able to discuss the darkness it involves.

Strong and reserved.

If you aren’t one of these, you probably know someone who is. This individual serves as the family’s “rock,” its cornerstone, and its reliable employee. Even though they don’t feel that way on the inside, someone who uses this defense mechanism will attempt to appear strong and stable on the outside.

Because there is always someone in need, by always looking out for others, they never have to be the center of attention. Being strong and silent not only keeps one’s pain and vulnerability hidden from others, but it also aids one in forgetting about it.

Laid back type.

People tend to “go with the flow” or be overly accommodating as a result of this defense mechanism. A person with this defense mechanism is frequently passive and awaits instructions or for others to make plans.

This strategy can cover up feelings of inadequacy or a lack of confidence in one’s ability to make a choice. Someone who is unassuming and doesn’t feel the need to express an opinion doesn’t have to worry about upsetting others or facing rejection.

Perfectionist type.

Whether you like it or not, perfectionism generally isn’t a good thing because it’s impossible to achieve. A person with a perfectionistic defense mechanism avoids making errors or being incorrect at all costs. This defense masks a deep fear of condemnation or judgment. Because there is always a chance that something could go wrong, this defense can result in a general feeling of anxiety.

Passive-aggressive type.

Many of us refer to other people’s actions as passive-aggressive, but did you know that this behavior is a defense mechanism? When someone is being passive-aggressive, they are indirectly communicating their anger or need for assistance to others. An attempt to meet needs through passive-aggressive behavior is to do so without being overtly aggressive.

It is driven by anger, conflict avoidance, and fear. Pouting passive-aggressively lets someone know something is wrong without directly stating what the issue is. Ironically, passive-aggressive behaviors frequently irritate people more and elicit more rage than being direct.

Once more, people usually do not realize they are engaging in these behaviors because they are unconscious. No matter how emotionally stable we are, we all constantly use defense mechanisms. When the defenses have a significant negative impact on a person’s life, concerns arise.

A licensed therapist can assist you in increasing your self-awareness, healing from past trauma and/or pain, and learning healthy coping mechanisms for any triggers that may arise. It’s time to seek professional assistance.

No matter what, if you’re having mental health issues, you should get help from a professional. Contact us to find out more about a therapist in your area who is prepared to assist you.