- Seeking therapy services is not a sign of weakness or an indication of one’s inability to cope with life’s challenges.
- Corporate wellness programs, mental health days, and counseling services are becoming commonplace, encouraging a culture that embraces well-being.
- For people facing mental health conditions, therapy is an important component of treatment and recovery which complements medication.
The emphasis on physical health has often taken precedence over the equally vital aspect of mental well-being.
While exercise and proper nutrition are essential for maintaining a healthy body, we must not overlook the significance of our mental health in determining our overall quality of life.
Yet, despite increasing awareness about mental health issues, a pervasive stigma continues to shroud the concept of therapy, preventing many individuals from seeking the help they truly need.
For far too long, a cloud of stigma has surrounded this concept, perpetuating the misconception that it’s only for the “mad” or “broken.”
There has been a negative connotation, relegating therapy as a last resort for individuals by societal standards.
Seeking therapy services is not a sign of weakness or an indication of one’s inability to cope with life’s challenges.
Rather, it is a proactive and courageous choice made by individuals who recognize the value of their mental wee-being and strive for personal growth and self-improvement.
The stigma
The stigma surrounding therapy can be traced back to historical misconceptions about mental health.
In the past, discussions about mental illness were often peaceful and confined to the shadows of society.
This lack of understanding perpetuated shame and fear, causing many to suffer silently rather than seek help.
As a result, therapy became synonymous with institutionalization and confinement, further deepening the stigma.
Even in modern times, societal attitudes towards mental health can be dismissive or unsupportive, leading individuals to hide their struggles out of fear of discrimination or judgment.
This reluctance to address mental health issues not only hinders personal growth but also impedes the overall progress of society, as untapped potential and talents remain buried beneath the weight of the stigma.
Over the past decade, society’s perception of mental health has witnessed a noticeable shift.
Celebrities, athletes, and public figures are increasingly open about their mental health struggles and the positive impact of therapy on their lives.
This growing openness has sparked a therapy revolution, making it more acceptable for people from all walks of life to seek professional support without shame.
Recognizing the value of mental wellness, many companies and institutions are now prioritizing the emotional health of their students and employees.
Corporate wellness programs, mental health days, and counseling services are becoming commonplace, encouraging a culture that embraces well-being.
The vulnerability
One of the keys to the effectiveness of therapy lies in the transformative power of vulnerability.
The therapeutic setting offers a unique opportunity for individuals to open up about their thoughts, feeling, and experiences without fear of judgment.
This vulnerability creates a strong bond between the client and therapist, fostering trust and paving the way for meaningful breakthroughs.
Therapy offers a supportive and non-judgmental environment where individuals can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences, regardless of their mental health issues.
Contrary to popular belief, therapy is not confined to addressing severe mental health disorders.
Recenlty, Esther Katiba, an author, legal professional, astute organizational culture consultant, and certified HR practitioner, shared how most people think therapy means that you have a mental disorder.
“Men are often told not to cry; people are not open when facing issues. They may fail to take a pause and focus on what is going on with them as they are focused on making a living and forget to take care of their mental health,” she explains.
Therapy is a dynamic process that helps individuals develop essential life skills, such as emotional regulation, communication, and problem-solving.
It encourages self-awareness and self-reflection, allowing you to understand the root causes of their challenges and work towards meaningful solutions.
This nurturing environment empowers individuals to break free from negative thought patterns, heal from past traumas, and cultivate a positive mindset that fosters growth.
The significance of therapy
As we seek medical attention for physical limits, addressing our psychological needs is equally crucial for leading a fulfilled and balanced life.
In a world where societal expectations often demand emotional suppression, therapy provides a non-judgmental and safe space for individuals to express their feelings openly.
Bottling up emotions can cause anxiety, stress, and physical health issues.
Therapy offers a cathartic outlet for processing emotions, reducing emotional burdens, and fostering greater emotional freedom.
Therapy helps individuals gain insight into their beliefs, patterns, and behaviors, empowering them to make positive changes and lead more authentic lives.
Lydia K.M., a Mental Health and Wellness Enthusiast, shares patterns of people pleasers, people who put other people’s needs before theirs.
She sheds light on how it can be hard to say ‘No’ when you have been constantly a ‘Yes’ person and talks of how therapy can come in and help people change such patterns.
Therapy also equips individuals with coping strategies and problem-solving skills.
Life is full of challenges, from everyday stressors to major life transitions; therapy helps you adapt and regulate stress, grief, relationship issues, and other life hurdles.
With therapy, you get a therapeutic environment to process and heal from past wounds, allowing individuals to break free from the chains of their past.
For people facing mental health conditions, therapy is an important component of treatment and recovery which complements medication.
Therapy is not limited to individual growth; it holds emotional value in nurturing and strengthening relationships.
Therapy helps couples and friends improve communication, resolve conflict, and rebuild trust where it had been broken, identifying unhealthy patterns like defensiveness and preparing for major transitions.
Not for the rich
In addition to the prevailing stigma surrounding therapy, another common misconception is that it is an exclusive survival accessible only to the wealthy.
This belief perpetuates that therapy is a luxury reserved for those with financial abundance, deterring individuals from seeking the help they need.
Historically, therapy has been portrayed in media and popular culture as a service the privileged enjoy, often depicted as sessions with expensive couches and opulent surroundings.
This portrayal, while fictional, has contributed to the association of therapy with social status and wealth.
While therapy sessions might be costly, it is important to recognize that alternative options and resources are available to make therapy more accessible to a broader audience.
Many therapists and mental health professionals offer sliding scale fees, where the cost of therapy is adjusted based on an individual’s income level.
In addition, community mental health centers and non-profit organizations often provide low-cost or even free counseling services.
Some institutions offering free or standardized cost therapy sessions include Kenya Redcross Society, Befrienders Kenya, and Niskize.
Shifting the perception of therapy from an exclusive luxury to an essential investment in mental health is important.
Mental well-being is not a commodity reserved for a select few; it is a fundamental aspect of overall health and life satisfaction.
Investing in one’s mental health through therapy can improve relationships, increase productivity, and a greater sense of fulfillment in life.
Additionally, by recognizing the importance of mental health, societies can foster a more empathetic and supportive culture, where seeking help for psychological challenges is regarded as a responsible and protective step rather than a luxury indulgence.
Dear reader, this is not just a call to action but an invitation for you to join the movement.
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Challenge outdated views and misconceptions and demystify the myths, embrace vulnerability, and acknowledge its broad benefits; you can break from the chains of stigma.
