The Doctor is In

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In my life I have been to therapy 6 different times - in every decade of my life (except the 50s but it's early!). I would go back in a heartbeat if I thought I needed it anytime. In the 80s, I knew many people who looked down upon this, as being weak or as an embarrassment. I would never lie about it or keep it a secret. I know many people who would never go to a clinical psychiatrist or psychologist, only a pastor or someone from recovery in a church. I know many people who think they can "work it out on their own" and basically do nothing but stuff the feelings even deeper, making them ever harder to dig out if they heaven forbid could ever get to that low point. I know many people who think it is stupid to turn the mirror around and take a look at yourself for YOUR part in circumstances, for your weaknesses and character flaws for fear they won't like what they see. I also know many people who are career patients who never seem to get better, lie to the doctors and never progress because the medication 'just isn't ever working right'. I am here to tell you that we all have our issues. I am here not to judge anyone who does not want to go to therapy for whatever reason, but to encourage those who are troubled to seek help no matter what way works for them even if it is meditating in nature. LIFE IS HARD. My sister has a friend named Carol who says "life is so daily". And that it is. It is not easy, not every day. But some days it is. The key is that you have to WANT to get better. For me, therapy is the right choice when I get in a mental jam. Therapy has actually saved my life, helped me stop panic attacks, helped me overcome an abusive boyfriend, helped me mend friendships, helped me stand up for myself in my relationships and it has helped me realize that I am an incredible person - even WITH all of my character flaws. It helps be be empathetic to other human beings, period. And for those reasons, Therapy makes it in as one of my 365 days of impacts on my life.

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