3 Signs That You Need To Seek Professional Counseling

If you are going through a hard time you might be wondering if you should seek out professional counseling. Counseling is a great way to get the help that you need, and even prevent major problems, like a mental breakdown or divorce, if you seek help early enough. However, many people don't know when it is the right time to seek help. Here are some signs that you should be getting counseling.

1. Your Mental State Interferes With Your Normal Functioning

One of the first signs that you have a problem is that you are no longer able to function normally. For example, you might be dealing with some anxiety and because of it are having a hard time going out with friends. Work is a massive struggle, and you find yourself in bed more and more. Lots of people struggle with things like anxiety or depression, but it only mildly interferes with their life. In this case, you might be able to deal with it on your own. However, if it goes to the point where you can't live your life normally, then you need additional help.

A counselor can help you to figure out coping techniques to deal with the pain. The counselor can help you to determine the cause of the stressful feelings, can help you find a doctor to get medication if needed, and then work thorough some of those issues.

2. You Are Unable To Maintain Meaningful Relationships

In many cases you might find yourself unable to maintain meaningful relationships. So although you are able to go to work, and appear to be "normal" your relationships are severely suffering. It could be your marriage, you might be struggling with your family, or unable to make friends. A therapist can help you to work better with other people, and hopefully find solutions to the problems you are experiencing.

3. You Have Experienced Trauma

If you have had a traumatic event in your life you should seek counseling. Even if in the moment it doesn't appear that you have lasting problems, you should be preventative and get help. Lasting trauma and it's side effects can poke out its terrible head at times when you least expect it. Which is why it is best to take care of the problem earlier rather than later. You can prevent serious problems by getting help early. 

By understanding these things you can determine when it is the right time to seek professional counseling, such as from Barbara Saban, LCSW.

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