This is a common question a person asks themselves when first considering whether therapy would be helpful. Ultimately, making the decision to start therapy is a personal one. Navigating the mental health system can be a daunting task. We are here to help simplify the steps. 

According to the American Psychological Association (2017):

There are two general guidelines to consider, with the first consideration being the problem that causes distress and the second consideration being if the distress is in some way causing an interference with your ability to function or with an area of your life.

To determine if the problem is causing distress, it would be important to consider the following:

1. Do you think about the problem every week?
2. Is the problem something you are embarrassed about and hide from others?
3. Has the problem negatively affected your life?

To determine interference, you should consider the following:

1. Does the problem take up more than an hour per day?
2. Is your work or educational performance affected by the problem?
3. Is the problem causing you to change your lifestyle just to accommodate the problem? 

According to the American Psychological Association, if you answered “Yes” to any of the questions above, you may want to consider starting therapy.[mfn] American Psychological Association. (2017). How do I know if I need therapy? Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/seeking-therapy.aspx[/mfn]

What are other reasons why people seek therapy?

Not all people who seek therapy do so because of a crisis. Here are some other common reasons as to why people seek therapy:

1. Anticipation of life changes
2. To discuss difficult topics with a person outside of their network of friends and family
3. A desire to learn more about themselves
4. A desire to learn objective viewpoints
5. A desire to explore different interpretations of experiences
6. To be able to talk to someone without feeling judged
7. To receive additional support through a life transition
8. To evolve into a better version of themselves