Find a therapist, be a “therapist”
Psychotherapy, or “talk therapy,” comes in many different forms. It can be
a traditional appointment with a therapist
an online site that provides virtual or text therapy
a support group
a talk with a trusted role model or reliable third party
Feeling like you have the undivided attention, time, and support is a necessity. Life is too tough to manage alone and therapy is crucial for those struggling with anxiety, trauma, and/or depression.
Therapy is really helpful even at times when you don’t feel like you are struggling. It is beneficial for everyone to learn more about yourself, your priorities, and how you can improve your daily life.
In general, any form of therapy is beneficial in bettering daily life. Therapy helps:
Communicate feelings, dreams, and fears
Teach life-long coping skills
Build stronger relationships with friends and family
Get everything off your chest with someone who is objective and non-judgemental
Find a therapist you connect with, who can empathize, and offer you tools for regaining hope and strength. Make sure you feel safe and understood.
It is okay if you don’t click with your first one or even 10, but keep trying and remember they can only help when you open your heart and be true to yourself.
Check in at your school health center to see if therapy is provided or use these sources to find the support:
Free online assessment – https://www.doctorondemand.com
Other sources:
Talk to a friend if you are struggling to find one on your own. Even if you don’t think you need a recommendation, ask a friend (or anyone) if they know a good therapist nearby.
Normalize seeking help. You never know who might need the extra push to seek therapy or the simple reminder that it’s okay not to be okay. Help break the awkward silence surrounding mental health.
Be prepared for a loved one to come to you during their heartaches and hardships, but know that it is okay if you don’t know how exactly to help. Just by reading this you are doing your part to be a better friend or family member.
Just listen
Reserve any judgment and only offer advice if they ask for it
Think of words, phrases, mantras that you might need to hear in a time of crisis – have encouragement and kindness at the tip of your tongue already
Educate yourself on what they may be going through and how you can help
Being a shoulder to cry on with an open heart and soothing words is the best thing you can give. Your time, your attention, and your empathy can save lives.
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
No mud, no lotus: the art of transforming suffering by Thich Nhat Hanh
What Happened To You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing by Bruce Perry
Call of the Wild: How We Heal Trauma, Awaken Our Power, and Use it For Good by Kimberely Johnson
My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Mending of Our Body and Our Hearts by Resmaa Manakem
Writing Into the Wound: Understanding Trauma, Truth, and Language by Roxane Gay
Healing After Loss by Martha Hickman
The Beauty of What Remains by Steve Leder
A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis
The Light Between Us by Laura Lynn Jackson
Notes on Grief by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Nurturing Healing Love by Scarlett Lewis
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong