It took me about five years to finally decide to seek therapy. I'd been feeling depressed and anxious on and off since the beginning of college, and once it started affecting me into my adulthood I decided I had to do something about it. During college I had the mindset of "If I got myself into this, then I can get myself out of it." I figured I didn't need anyone's help. I simply didn't understand at the time how deep my emotional pain was. It wasn't until I matured a little bit that I realized I couldn't solve it all on my own.
Therapy has impacted my life in so many beautiful ways! Therapy is the reason why I feel like I have a purpose; it's the reason why I am now able to forgive myself. It reminds me that I'm human, I'm complex. But it's the little things too that therapy has given me - it's the reason why I'm able to travel, be in large crowds, see my family, stay calm at work, even meet one-on-one with a friend. Therapy has let me reclaim my life.
Just do it. You owe it to yourself. Going to therapy will only make things better. Once you attend your first session, the only way is up. You'll soon realize that your mind doesn't have to be your enemy.
Therapy feels like the ultimate form of self love. It's really the only time in your life when everything is all about you and you don't have to feel guilty about it. It's so cliche but therapy is my sunshine when it's raining; it's my light at the end of the tunnel. It's so freeing to be able to let all my emotions pour out and process them. Therapy is how I love myself, heal myself, and look after my past, present, and future self.
I would just like to share that if you decide to attend therapy, there will be bumps along the way! Not every session will be perfect. Sometimes you'll leave feeling like you had more to say, or like you didn't say much at all. That's okay - the thing to remember with therapy is that it's not a quick fix. It's a long, uphill journey that works in small ways that you will begin to notice the longer you continue to go. Don't give up on yourself! You are so worth it.
Complete our free, confidential questionnaire to easily and quickly match with 3 personalized coaches or therapists.
Kelly Kauffmann is a twenty-something PR professional who currently works for a media company in the entertainment industry. She spends a majority of her free time searching for new music, perfecting her Ariana Grande impersonation, or attempting to find the best bolognese in New York City.
