Therefore, here are things every college student should know about therapy for their own sake!
Therapy shouldn’t be the last resort
If there is one thing anyone who has gone to college can attest to, it is the fact that it’s a rough period for anyone. Of course, it can be lovely and fun. But it is mentally and physically challenging all the same.
And, if you are suffering from any mental illnesses or just wrestling with personal issues, all the challenges you will be facing can overwhelm you.
Despite that, you may still avoid going to therapy, resorting to medication, and other alternatives before finally opting to go as a last resort. And yet, one of the things every college student should know about therapy is that it should never be the last option you try.
Therapy is meant to help and prevent things from escalating to the point where you feel desperate.
There is no shame in going to therapy
There has, historically, been a stigma around going to therapy. However, there is no need to allow that to color your perception of it.
Therapy is a process of opening up about and overcoming your struggles and mental illnesses. If you don’t feel ashamed going to the doctor, there’s no reason to feel shame over this type of treatment.
There are plenty of benefits to overcoming this notion. Once you start going in for therapy, you will likely find it easier to build strong friendships with those around you. So use that as encouragement and an additional reason to go in for therapy.
Therapy is based on honesty and trust
Every college student should know that therapy is built on mutual respect and understanding between the therapist and patient. You must be honest and put at least a measure of trust in the person trying to help you.
It will likely feel overwhelmingly difficult at first. Maybe you will even feel terrified at the idea. However, know that therapists will not share what you tell them under any circumstances.
If you cannot bring yourself to trust them, then trust in the fact that confidentiality clauses bind them. They would suffer serious legal repercussions for breaking confidentiality.
You can always switch therapists
College is all about freedom. You have much greater control over what you are studying, how you are studying, and even approaching your assignments. So, it should come as no surprise that in the world of adults you’ve just stepped into, you have complete control over how your therapy goes, including the freedom to change your therapist.
We’ve mentioned how therapy is rooted in building a bond of trust and honesty between you and your therapist. If you are just not clicking with the therapist you’ve started visiting, it is perfectly fine to look for someone else.
Forcing the issue and trying to tough it out is not the goal here. The goal is for you to get the best possible help and support.
Mental illnesses are not the only reason to go in for therapy
We’ve mentioned already that therapy should not be the last resort. However, it does not need to be something you look for because of some significant issues or illnesses, either.
Therapy is meant to be a means to overcome any blocks, insecurities, or hang-ups. A meeting with a therapist doesn’t need to be prompted by a breakdown, depression, or feeling suicidal.
You can talk to them about feeling stressed by college and your responsibilities. And your therapist would help guide you through that and help you find ways to cope.
It would, in turn, help increase your quality of life and ensure you can better enjoy your college experience.
You can always opt for online therapy
Another thing every college student should know about therapy is that it does not need to be a ‘traditional’ in-person meeting. Online therapy is very much a thing, and it is just as helpful as meeting with a therapist in person.
If you are reluctant or afraid of meeting your therapist in private, the safety and distance of an online therapy session might allow you to relax and open up more easily. Additionally, since online therapy enables you to get help remotely, it may be what you are looking for if you struggle to fit a therapy session into a busy schedule.
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No one needs to know
Finally, no one needs to know you are going to therapy, including your parents. There are plenty of free therapy options affiliated with colleges where you can find the help you need without telling the people in your life about it or paying any money.
At the same time, you do not even need to continue attending college while going through therapy. There are definite perks to taking a gap year for your mental health, since it would remove you from the stressful environment you’ve found yourself in and give you the time to heal without anyone having to know.
Final advice
Now that you are familiar with the things every college student should know about therapy, you should be able to decide whether you want to try it yourself.
Just remember that healing of any kind takes time and patience. Even opting to try is a significant milestone and step forward.
Image Credit: college student should know about therapy by envato.com
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