Cancel Therapy-Shaming.

When I was a junior in high-school I started experiencing the worst anxiety I had ever had. I’m not sure if it was the brand new social and academic experiences that stressed me out, or whatever might have been the cause, but nonetheless I went from being my usual outgoing self to someone who choked up the second they were asked to read in English class.

I have never been majorly insecure about myself. I was blessed to grow up surrounded by people who constantly told me to be confident in who I am, which really stuck. So, it made zero sense to me why I suddenly felt eyes on me at all times in class, parties, and on the lacrosse field. It was like I was dealing with an identity crisis completely against my own will.

Today’s generation accepts the idea of seeking outside help or medical attention. At least, my own circle does. I was able to tell my parents and closest friends about my constant stress and fear, which led me to my very first therapy appointment.

When people speak of therapy, they think of lying on a couch in some simplistic room and sharing their deepest and darkest secrets. I believe this is a stigma that should be broken. Truthfully, therapy is what you make of it. If you’re looking for someone to listen to you ramble about everything wrong or right in your life, there is someone out there who can do that for you. If you believe you would benefit from someone asking you the deep questions you are unable to ask yourself, there is someone out there who can do that for you. If you’re someone who just needs someone to talk to every so often to let out the most pressing issues on your mind and get validation that you are, in fact, doing life right, then there is someone out there who can do that for you.

If I’m being honest, I don’t have a regular schedule with therapy. In fact, I took a year-long break from even texting my therapist back when I was in the midst of senior year wrapping up and starting my Freshman year of college. It wasn’t until I realized how badly each loss I had experienced during covid affected me, that I finally picked up the phone and called to set up a meeting this past October. After that one session, along with many tears, I was able to get a full night’s sleep for the first time since the beginning of the summer. It was then that I realized I don’t necessarily need therapy, but I benefit greatly from it.

I’m always open to answering questions my friends might have about therapy. Here’s just a few frequent ones:

Is it weird to start?

Yes, but if you allow yourself to open up and trust that person it becomes easier. Watch this video if you want a more-detailed answer.

Is it confidential?

I’ve never felt nervous or afraid of my conversations at therapy leaving the room. Even when I was a minor in high school, I still felt comfortable that I could talk about things I didn’t exactly want my parents to know about.

Is it expensive?

Therapy is like a doctor’s appointment. In many cases, insurance covers the majority of a therapist’s rate and you pay a co-pay. However, with that being said, it’s important to search for multiple options in order to compare fees and reviews. I highly recommend reading online reviews or getting recommendations from people in the area before you begin therapy. Honestly, it’s not only more convenient for any paperwork and costs, but it’s also not ideal to re-introduce yourself to more than one therapist. You can find some beneficial tips here.

Do you go home to see your therapist?

No. Telehealth has become much more common for medical visits worldwide. Luckily, this extends to therapy as well. If you are currently in therapy, left your therapist in your hometown, or if you are currently deciding to start seeing someone, it’s a great idea to ask about their ability to do telehealth. This definitely comes in handy as a college student.

I understand that many people have good mental health. In no way, shape or form am I making a case that every person needs therapy. Instead, I am reinforcing the idea that therapy is always an option for when you feel low or confused in life. It's something that should be openly talked about more. If you have a friend or your own experience with therapy, let me know if you have any more tips below! I would love to open up the conversation to my readers.