What Are the Signs That I May Need to Seek Therapy?
Curiosity is often the quiet whisper that nudges us toward growth. It might start with a simple question: Is this all there is? Or, Why do I feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected? It can be tempting to ignore these whispers and push through the discomfort, but curiosity asks us to lean into those moments and explore what’s beneath them. Therapy can be a path to that exploration—a safe space to uncover the causes of our struggles and begin the healing process.
But sometimes, knowing when to seek therapy isn’t always clear. The signs may not always be loud or obvious. Often, they appear as subtle shifts in how we feel, how we interact with the world, and how we treat ourselves. Below are some of the common signs that it might be time to consider therapy, particularly here in Louisiana, where life’s unique challenges can sometimes make it even more important to seek support.
1. Persistent Feelings of Sadness or Hopelessness
It’s natural to feel down from time to time, especially in the face of challenges. But if you’re experiencing prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or a sense that nothing will ever get better, it might be a signal to seek support. Therapy can help you explore these feelings, understand their origins, and learn ways to shift your mindset toward more hopeful perspectives. In Louisiana, with the unique challenges faced by many—whether in the aftermath of natural disasters, navigating economic difficulties, or other life stressors—finding a path to emotional healing is more important than ever.
2. Struggling to Cope with Stress or Life Changes
Life is full of transitions—some expected, some unexpected. Moving to a new city, changing jobs, or experiencing the loss of a loved one can all create stress and uncertainty. If you find that you’re struggling to cope with these changes, therapy can help you process your emotions and develop healthy coping strategies. Louisiana’s resilience is well-known, but even the strongest among us need support when faced with challenges like health problems, economic instability, or societal pressures. Therapy offers a space to process these transitions and gain clarity about how to move forward.
3. Feeling Overwhelmed by Anxiety
Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it starts to interfere with your daily life, it can feel all-consuming. If you’re constantly worried, experience panic attacks, or find yourself avoiding situations because of fear, therapy can help you explore the roots of your anxiety and learn practical techniques to manage it. Anxiety can feel especially heavy when compounded by concerns like finances, family dynamics, or the upcoming hurricane season. Therapy can help you develop healthier ways of approaching your thoughts and feelings.
4. Difficulty in Relationships
If you find that your relationships—whether with a partner, family member, or friends—are becoming increasingly difficult, therapy can be an important tool. Communication breakdowns, ongoing conflicts, or feelings of disconnection can be signs that deeper issues need attention. Whether you're dealing with the specific challenges of Louisiana’s close-knit communities, or simply trying to balance work, family, and social life, therapy offers the opportunity to reflect on your relationship dynamics and heal from past wounds.
5. Experiencing Low Self-Esteem or Self-Worth
Do you often criticize yourself, feel inadequate, or struggle with self-doubt? These thoughts and feelings can be harmful if left unchecked, creating an ongoing pattern of negative self-talk. Therapy can help you untangle these patterns, rebuild your sense of self-worth, and create a more compassionate and empowering narrative about who you are. Living in a place as vibrant and rich in culture as Louisiana can often put pressure on us to keep up appearances, but therapy can help you reconnect with your true self, free from the expectations that may be weighing you down.
6. Engaging in Self-Destructive Behavior
If you notice that you’re engaging in self-destructive behaviors—such as substance abuse, overeating, or isolating yourself—it’s a sign that you might need extra support. These behaviors can be coping mechanisms for underlying pain, and therapy can help you address the root causes in a safe, nonjudgmental space. In Louisiana, where unique cultural influences and sometimes challenging circumstances contribute to substance use or emotional difficulties, therapy can help you develop healthier coping strategies and a strong foundation for recovery.
7. Feeling Like You’re Just Going Through the Motions
Have you noticed that you’re simply going through the motions of life without much joy, excitement, or meaning? If you’re feeling disconnected from your passions, interests, or even your sense of purpose, it may be a sign that something deeper needs attention. Therapy can help you explore what’s holding you back from living authentically and support you as you reconnect with your desires and goals.
8. Difficulty Managing Emotions
Do you find yourself feeling out of control when it comes to managing your emotions? Whether it’s anger, sadness, or frustration, struggling to regulate your emotions can impact many areas of your life. Therapy can help you explore the triggers behind intense emotional responses, develop emotional regulation skills, and create space for healthier ways of processing feelings.
9. Your Functioning is Impaired
What do we mean by impaired functioning? If your anxiety, obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, substance use, depression, grief, or anger are keeping you from living the life you want and deserve, it’s probably time to talk to someone. Impaired functioning exists on a spectrum and a therapist can help you assess just how much your mental health is impacting your day-to-day life. If you’re driving your partner up a wall with your checking behaviors, finding yourself alienated due to explosive outbursts that push loved ones away, or can’t get out of bed to do the things you know will make you feel better, therapy can offer a safe space to get curious and let go of shame to discover what’s keeping you in those cycles.
What’s Next?
If you’re recognizing some of these signs in yourself, it might be time to explore therapy as a supportive resource. Therapy is an opportunity to dig deeper into what’s happening inside, to trace the source threads of your thoughts and behaviors, and to develop the tools to navigate life with greater self-awareness and compassion.
As a therapist, I’m here to offer that space for you. However, it's important to note that I’m only able to work with clients residing in Louisiana. If you live in this beautiful state and have been feeling uncertain or overwhelmed, I’d be honored to support you.
If you’re unsure where to start, I offer a free 20-minute consultation at Britt Benson Counseling. This session is a chance to explore what’s on your mind, see if I might be a good fit, and discuss next steps—without any pressure or commitment.
Curiosity Is the First Step
Therapy is not about fixing you. It’s about creating a safe space for you to explore, understand, and ultimately transform the patterns that may be holding you back. It’s about allowing curiosity to lead you toward new possibilities, new insights, and new ways of living with intention.
If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, I encourage you to listen to that curiosity. It might just be the first step toward a journey of growth, healing, and transformation.
The content on this blog is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health or medical treatment. Engaging with this blog, its content, or any associated social media or marketing materials does not establish a therapist-client relationship with Britt Benson or Britt Benson Counseling. If you are experiencing psychological distress or seeking support for mental health concerns, you are strongly encouraged to consult directly with a licensed mental health professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified mental health provider regarding any questions or concerns you may have about your well-being. If you are needing urgent help, please call 988 for the mental health and addiction crisis hotline or 911 for emergency services.
