Despite the growing awareness around mental health, many people still delay seeking depression treatment. Whether it’s due to stigma, uncertainty, or fear, postponing professional help can worsen symptoms and prolong suffering. If you’ve been avoiding therapy, it’s important to understand the reasons behind this hesitation and how seeking help for depression can change your life. I will walk you through the process of how to find a therapist that suits your needs.
Why Do People Delay Depression Treatment?
Stigma Around Mental Health Even though society is slowly becoming more accepting of mental health issues, some people still fear the judgment that comes with admitting they need help. There can be a perception that asking for help is a sign of weakness, but seeking depression treatment is actually a strong step toward healing.
Not Recognizing the Severity of Depression Depression often creeps in slowly, making it hard to recognize the severity of your own condition. Some people dismiss their feelings as temporary sadness or stress, unaware that their symptoms are part of a larger mental health issue. If left untreated, depression can worsen over time, leading to more significant emotional, physical, and social problems.
Believing They Can Handle It Alone Many people believe that with enough willpower, they can overcome depression on their own. While it’s important to develop personal coping mechanisms, help for depression often requires professional support. Therapy can provide the tools and guidance needed to manage symptoms effectively, whereas going it alone may prolong or deepen the struggles.
Fear of Confronting Emotions Therapy often involves digging deep into feelings and past experiences, which can be uncomfortable. People sometimes avoid therapy for depression because they fear the emotional intensity that may come with confronting their mental health head-on. However, facing these emotions in a supportive environment is essential for long-term healing.
Cost and Accessibility Concerns Worries about the cost of therapy or the availability of mental health resources can be a barrier for many. Searching for sliding scale fees including through OpenPath, community mental health centers, and telehealth therapy can make treatment more accessible. My rate is $100 per 60 minute session and I do offer sliding scale through OpenPath.
How to Recognize When You Need Help for Depression
It’s normal to feel sad or overwhelmed occasionally, but when these feelings persist and start affecting your daily life, it may be time to consider therapy. Here are some signs that indicate you might need help for depression:
You feel hopeless, empty, or sad most of the time.
You've lost interest in activities you once enjoyed.
Your sleep patterns have changed—either you're sleeping too much or struggling with insomnia.
You feel fatigued or lack energy throughout the day.
You’re struggling with feelings of guilt or worthlessness.
Concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things is difficult.
You've had thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
If any of these symptoms resonate with you, seeking depression treatment can provide relief and a path forward.
When and How to Seek Therapy for Depression
The earlier you seek help for depression, the better your chances of preventing symptoms from worsening. If you’ve been debating whether to reach out, now is the time to take action. Here’s how to get started:
1. Acknowledge the Need for Help
The first step in seeking therapy is recognizing that you need support.
2. Find a Therapist
Finding the right therapist is a personal journey. Online directories, such as Psychology Today, offer tools to filter therapists based on their specialties, insurance acceptance, and more. Consider whether you prefer in-person or online therapy. Schedule a free 15 minute consultation phone call with me or ask another therapist for a phone call. This helps you decide if the therapist would be a good fit for you. I would always rather someone find a therapist they connect to than stay with me or someone else that they don't feel is a good fit. Schedule a phone call with me today.
3. Ask for Referrals
If searching on your own feels overwhelming, ask for referrals. Your primary care physician can recommend trusted therapists, or you can reach out to friends or family members who’ve gone through therapy themselves. Sometimes, knowing that someone you trust has had a positive experience can make taking that first step easier.
4. Prepare for Your First Session
Therapy might feel intimidating at first, but there is no wrong way to do therapy. You will need to fill out some questionnaires before meeting with your therapist. My first session with a client is a chance for me to get to know them and create a safe space from them to be honest about there feelings, experiences, and what they want to work on in therapy.
5. Commit to Managing Depression Symptoms
Therapy is a powerful tool, but it’s most effective when combined with self-care strategies. Between sessions, practice managing depression symptoms by incorporating habits like regular exercise, healthy eating, consistent sleep, and mindfulness exercises. Therapy can help you fine-tune these habits to support your mental health journey.
It’s understandable to feel hesitant about seeking therapy, but delaying depression treatment only prolongs your pain. By addressing your symptoms with professional help for depression, you can take control of your mental health and find hope for the future. Whether you’re searching for depression therapy near me or exploring online options, the important thing is to take that first step.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, don't wait—reach out today. With the right help, you can start managing depression symptoms and move toward a healthier, happier life.
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