I'll share how I started with therapy and why I have been continuing with it.
It's always difficult to start something new - and that's the case with me and therapy. I put it off for quite a bit because:
I'm lazy (to find a therapist whom I can vibe with).
I'm not sure if what I'm struggling with is "serious" enough for therapy.
Anxiety was the main reason why I considered going for therapy. I wrote a thread about it here.
I eventually took a leap of faith and went for my first-ever session in Nov 2021. It was nerve-wracking because I had to share my innermost thoughts with a stranger.
Thankfully, my therapist has helped me establish a safe space during sessions to be myself.
I've been in therapy for almost 11 months and would like to share what I've learned.
Here goes!
1. Growing up in an Asian family, I was taught that showing any type of negative emotion is a no-no.
My parents were not affectionate and seldom expressed their emotions (besides scolding my brother and me, lol).
I've learned that there are more than just three emotions: happy, sad, and angry. In one of my sessions, I was shown the "wheel of emotions." My first reaction was, "wow, I never knew" (because I'm emotionally stunted).
Here's what it looks like:
I'm still a work in progress in identifying and expressing my emotions. But I am more self-aware now and try to be affectionate to my loved ones when I can.
2. Through therapy, I've also learned that people respond to awkward/uncomfortable situations in a few ways:
fight
flight
freeze
My go-to response is to GTFO (flight), but when I'm placed in unfair situations, my immediate instinct is to fight.
The introvert in me hates confrontation because it drains my energy. I'll need some alone time after that to recharge my social battery.
3. Tv shows are not the best portrayals of trauma. Trauma does not always have to be violent or life-altering - in fact, it may be incidents that appear insignificant.
But when you're triggered, it feels like you're relieving the trauma all over again.
In therapy, I was taught various methods to identify the onset of a trigger so that I could deal with it in a healthy way.
Some days I remember the techniques taught, but other days I get so panicky that I'll have to "suck it up" and ride out the trigger.
4. The benefits of therapy are different for everyone. A friend said that therapy has helped him manage his anger so he doesn't lash out at his kids as often.
Another friend shared that therapy has helped her come to terms with her sexuality and tackle her commitment issues.
Let me end by saying: you don't need to have a huge problem in your life to go for therapy!
Sometimes we just need a little help to improve our mental health from a neutral person (like Yoda or a therapist).
*This article was adapted from a Twitter thread by OnlyFuns.eth*
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