Getting the Help You Need: Here Are the 8 Warning Signs that You Should Seek Professional Counseling
Life throws a lot of challenges at you, all at once. When it becomes a burden, sometimes it can be hard to focus. Getting down on yourself (or in a rut) is normal for most people. When you consider ending your own life to find a way out, it creates a different type of burden. Noticing the signs of a downward spiral is vital to keeping your personal life intact.
8. Stress Builds Up
The amount of stress that you feel each day doesn’t magically go away. Stress builds up, and eventually it can overtake your life. A clouded mind is more likely to make mistakes. Some of these mistakes are so impactful that they change the entire course of your life. Stress that keeps building without going away is catastrophic. When you feel that one thing keeps piling on top of another, then getting help is the logical next step.
7. Do You Have Support?
A good support system consists of family, friends and coworkers. Having these three pillars of strength gives you great outlets at all times of the day. Not everyone has all three, and sometimes can only depend on one or two. When that number reaches zero, then you have a problem. Having no one to talk to when you’re overwhelmed makes it easier to make bad decisions. Since you don’t have another person to second guess your decisions, it is more likely that a mistake will be made. For a better understanding of how a support system can help you, see more here.
6. How Are You Financially?
JFinancial problems are one of the quickest ways to accumulate stress. Living paycheck to paycheck puts the weight of the world on your shoulders. This becomes an even bigger issue when you’re the head of the household. Who can you turn to in order to vent your frustrations? When several people are depending on you, the idea of turning to them for help can seem embarrassing. Pride can be a silent killer when the walls are slowly closing in on you. When the time comes where there are no more moves to make, you will be forced to tell the truth anyway. The difference is, now nothing can be done to resolve the situation. Counseling for financial difficulties is a continuing trend for millions, posing unique difficulties in home and work situations. Gambling addiction can also be put in the financial category, where an unchecked problem will continue to get worse.
5. Do You Feel Like A Burden To Others?
Even when you have people to lean on in troubled times, how do you feel about seeking their help? It isn’t uncommon for someone to refuse to use a great support system. There are various reasons why a person would turn away help if they feel like a burden. There are even times where a loved one is going through a difficult time and you’re forced to be the rock, even when you’re crumbling. Whatever the common issue is, people have to be open and honest about their feelings. Counseling makes it a point to get a good world view of the people around the afflicted party. This worldbuilding is not unique to counseling, but works in a way where everyone has a different experience. The more information you share, the easier it is to find possible solutions to the ‘why’ you feel like a burden.
4. Thinking About Suicide
This is a 100% ‘call someone immediately before you consider it’ moment. Suicide is such a big deal worldwide that a free national suicide prevention hotline was created to combat the crisis. This is one of many numbers to dial in, so there is always someone ready to listen. Are you aware of suicidal thoughts or have you made plans to end your life? Even after talking to the hotline, they will usually recommend counseling. You don’t just wake up and decide one day to commit suicide. Like many things involving life, it is some type of build up that led you to that point. Whenever you’re thinking of taking your life, breathe a moment and consider why it got that far.
3. Other Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions like cancer will lead you into a depressive state. This is quite natural, and is also an issue with other physical issues. The problem with emotional medical conditions and a downward behavioral state is timing. Serious medical conditions require that the patient keep up with their medication, appointments and doctors’ orders. When you find that it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain daily functions, counseling can help. Delaying a visit could worsen your physical and mental state.
2. They Call It Being Antisocial
At some point being antisocial became a trend. Before antisocial was a popular buzzword, it was an actual condition related to several factors. There is nothing specifically wrong with being antisocial. However, if you find that you wear the same clothes, don’t bathe, keep the windows closed and rarely leave the house, it may be something else. Introverts exist and healthy and happy members of society. Antisocial behavior that keeps you away from everything, including hygiene, is a cause for concern.
1. Family History Tells A Tale
There are many scholarly articles and news snippets that connect mental disorders to genetics. A family history of mental disorders is more than enough reason to get counseling. Instead of waiting until you snap, get ahead of the problem so that your life remains in order. When timed right, you can avoid a lot of the ill effects of not being yourself.
Wrap Up
The warning signs can be subtle for some, clear for others. If any of these eight signs make up a significant part of your life, consider getting counseling. The longer you wait, the more difficult it gets to recognize the problem. Don’t let it become a central part of your life. Stay in control, so that stress and emotions don’t rule your life.