A counsellor can help you learn coping techniques and solve your problems. They also provide support, resources, and judgment-free guidance. Different therapists utilize different treatment approaches and focus areas. For example, some will use specific therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma.
You’re Feeling Overwhelmed
Overwhelmed feelings are not unusual, especially during difficult times. But they can be a sign that you need help dealing with the issues that bother you. Emotional overwhelm often occurs because of a combination of things. For example, a person may feel overwhelmed by work demands, family obligations, and recent trauma like a car accident or loss. If you frequently feel overwhelmed, it may be time to see a counsellor. You can find mental health providers through your insurance, local community mental health centers, college counseling services, or low-cost programs.
You’re Having Harmful Thoughts
While everyone has the occasional negative thought, if you find yourself having harmful or dangerous thoughts, it’s time to seek help. A mental health counsellor, also known as a therapist, can teach you to confront these thoughts safely and reduce their impact on your life. These thoughts tend to occur in people with anxiety disorders or other underlying mental health conditions like OCD, PTSD, etc. In some cases, people can become so impacted by these thoughts that they start to behave differently and may avoid people, places, or things that trigger them. A mental health counsellor Ottawa can help you overcome these intrusive thoughts by lowering your anxiety, teaching you not to be afraid of the thoughts, and addressing them directly. They can also prescribe SSRIs, a common treatment for these issues that work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
You’re Struggling With Relationships
A mental health counsellor, or therapist, can help you learn the skills to develop more positive relationships. In particular, they can teach you to communicate better and healthily reduce defensiveness.
A therapist can also help you cope with the effects of a loved one’s mental illness on your relationship. They may use approaches that address the feelings and behaviors related to your loved one’s struggle, including relapse prevention strategies. A family member suffering from a mental health condition can cause stress. It can be hard to deal with the many emotions you might experience, leading to conflict in the relationship. Couples counseling can help improve communication and help the relationship heal.
You’re Experiencing Mood Swings
People with severe and constant mood changes may benefit from working with a mental health counsellor. These experts can help individuals manage their emotions and treat any underlying health conditions contributing to mood swings. For example, if someone has a chronic or terminal illness that causes them to experience frequent mood swings, treating the underlying condition will likely help them cope with their symptoms and reduce their severity. Also, if the mood swings are caused by hormones, an erratic sleep schedule or diet, or other factors, a mental health professional can help.
You’re Experiencing Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but when it gets out of control, it can have serious and lasting negative impacts on your life. If you are experiencing excessive anxiety that interferes with daily activities, is out of proportion to the actual danger, or causes a feeling of impending doom, pounding heart, choking sensations, or shortness of breath (panic attacks), seek help immediately. Depending on your needs, a counsellor can help you manage your symptoms through psychotherapy or medication. Check with your insurance provider to see what options are available to you, and remember that most mental health counseling