Therapy isn’t just for people with “big problems”
You don’t need to be in crisis or have a mental health diagnosis to benefit from therapy.
For many people, getting over the initial hump of seeking support is easier said than done. That’s because they either don’t think their struggles or problems are “big enough” or they can’t articulate their struggles beyond “not feeling like themselves”. Because of this, they either wait until their problems get worse before reaching out, or don’t seek help at all.
It makes sense that we tend to minimize our problems. With the 24-hour news cycle and our level of exposure to other peoples’ struggles, it can be easy to brush off our problems as superficial or inconsequential compared to those who have it worse. We often find ourselves in a comparison trap, thinking, “I shouldn’t complain when others are going through so much more than me.” While empathy for other people is important, it’s crucial to remember that our own challenges are valid and deserve attention too.
It can be easy to have high expectations of ourselves when it comes to managing our smaller problems on our own. While the phrase “don’t sweat the small stuff” carries a lot of truth to it, sometimes that small stuff, whatever it is, can cause us to feel big emotions that don’t just disappear on their own. Unpacking these experiences with the help of a therapist can help you understand why this seemingly “small stuff” is triggering these larger emotions.
Reasons to seek therapy that may not seem “big”
Here are a few common challenges that may not seem “big”, but can benefit from therapy:
Daily stress management: The ever-present demands of daily life can often feel overwhelming. From work deadlines to family responsibilities, managing our stress levels is essential for our mental and physical health. Therapy can arm you with practical coping strategies, relaxation techniques, and the space to discuss what’s stressing you out, no matter how small.
Not feeling good enough: You may be walking around with a nagging feeling that you’re not quite good enough. Whether these feelings are showing up at work, at home, or all the above, therapy allows you to explore their root causes, challenge your negative self-talk, and develop a more positive self-image.
Lack of motivation: You might feel like you’re just going through the motions. Struggling to find the motivation to pursue your goals, whether they are related to your career, hobbies, or personal development, is a common issue. Therapy can help you identify underlying barriers, set achievable goals, and reignite your passion and drive.
Life transitions: Change, even good change, can bring up a lot of mixed emotions. Whether you’re starting a new job, becoming a parent, or moving, therapy can help offer guidance, emotional support, and practical tools to navigate these changes successfully.
Feeling stuck: You can’t articulate how you’re feeling other than you feel stuck. Therapy can help you identify what’s holding you back, whether it’s fear, self-doubt, or past experiences, and assist you in finding a path forward.
Searching for purpose: Sometimes we wonder what the purpose of it all is. Therapy can help you explore your values, passions, and aspirations, ultimately guiding you toward a more purposeful and fulfilling life.
No matter the size of the problem, the benefits can be big
The truth is therapy is appropriate for everyone who wants it, no matter how big or small the problem. Recognizing that your struggles, regardless of scale, deserve acknowledgment and support is the first step in embracing self-compassion and seeking the help you may need. Mental and emotional well-being is different for everyone, and minimizing our feelings can lead to neglecting our own needs.
Whether you’re dealing with a major crisis or something smaller, therapy can help. So, don’t wait for a big reason; take that step toward therapy and invest in yourself today.
