Written by: Nina Sanyal, MA LAC
One of the hardest parts of being a teenager is facing new challenges, some of which can make you feel like you don’t have the tools you need to solve them! It’s totally okay to have moments in life when you’re not feeling your best. Sometimes, it can be tough to figure out when it’s time to talk to a therapist, but remember that asking for help is really brave. Here are some signs that might suggest it’s time to chat with a therapist:
- Overwhelming Emotions: If you often feel overwhelmed by your emotions, such as persistent sadness, anxiety, or anger, and they’re getting in the way of your daily life or school, meeting with a therapist can give you the tools to manage these feelings.
- Stress and Pressure: Does school, friendships, or family pressures ever feel like too much to handle? Therapy can help you navigate these stressors and find more appropriate ways to cope.
- Changes in Eating Habits: If you’ve noticed that your eating habits are changing, whether you’re overeating, undereating, or obsessing over food and body image, it’s a sign that a therapist can provide guidance and support. We can help you to build a healthier relationship with both food and your body!
- Struggles with Friends: Friendship drama can be common, especially when you’re growing into your personality and deciding what is important for you to have in a friend! However, if it’s causing constant unhappiness or isolation, a therapist can help you build better relationships and stronger self-esteem.
- Self-Destructive Coping Methods: If you’re engaging in self-destructive behaviors like self-harm or using substances such as drugs or alcohol in order to cope, a therapist can guide you towards healthier ways to manage your emotions.
- Sleep Troubles: Have you noticed changes in your sleep? Difficulty sleeping, like trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, can be a sign that your emotional well-being needs attention. A therapist can help you establish better sleep habits.
- Feeling Lonely or Isolated: Does it ever feel like nobody understands? If you often feel alone or disconnected from the world around you, therapy can offer a safe space to explore these feelings and find ways to connect with others.
- Difficulty Concentrating: Struggling to focus on schoolwork, chores, or other everyday tasks can be common when you’re feeling emotionally overwhelmed. A therapist can help you regain your concentration and motivation.
- Traumatic Experiences: Trauma can look different in everyone and can range from abuse, loss, accidents, and more. If you’ve experienced a traumatic event or you’re dealing with memories that won’t go away, a therapist can help you in healing and finding closure.
- Negative Thought Patterns: If you feel trapped in negative thought patterns, irrational fears and worries, or repeated self-criticism, therapy can help you to identify and alter these cognitive distortions.
Here’s the bottom line! Your mental health matters, and taking care of yourself is a beautiful and powerful thing to do. It takes a very strong person to be able to ask for help. We therapists are here to listen, support, and empower you on your journey to becoming the amazing person you’re meant to be.
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Nina Sanyal is a Licensed Associate Counselor with Evolve Counseling. She has experience working with depression, anxiety, identity issues, family conflict, self-esteem, developmental disabilities, and more. Nina’s approach is rooted in compassion, empathy, and acceptance. She is passionate about guiding clients to live life on their own terms and challenge themselves to a lifetime of growth.