Therapy

I’m stuck. I want to write something, but I really don’t want to admit my own personal struggle. So why is it difficult to talk about something I am so close to? The truth is as I am writing this right now, I’m nervous. It is difficult to admit to being vulnerable. I’ve made mistakes in my life, and my greatest burden would be my own inability to forgive myself. I have lived my life and I have made necessary changes to live a better life, so why do I struggle so much now? I can occasionally reduce my shame by taking responsibility for my actions and realizing I can’t go back and change things. That’s where forgiveness becomes a challenge. So where do I go with all of my pain and confusion? How can I feel less alone than I do?

I go to therapy.

We still live in a society that responds errantly to the stigma of reaching out for help. Because of that misconception, many people do not reach out soon enough, carrying their anxiety and fears toward self-destructive outcomes. Addiction plays a big role in a person’s separation from what may be a goodness in their lives. It is difficult to face our personal demons alone. It is equally a struggle to feel comfortable reaching out to someone. People commonly believe that others do not want to deal with listening to their pain. And sometimes they are right on. That’s why therapy becomes a solid resource for dealing with overwhelming personal issues. 

Years ago my first experience with therapy was the YMCA. I lost my cousin in a tragic accident and we were very close. I was 13 years old, it was 1972. When we returned to my home from the memorial service, my parents got me a membership to the YMCA. In the early 70’s that was considered a probable solution to dealing with difficult issues. Without extreme interventions, the Y was thought to be a healthy step forward. I didn’t participate in any talk therapy, just played a lot of basketball, played pool in the youth rec center, and made a lot of new friends. If the tragedy I had experienced were in the present, seeing a talk therapist would be a more acceptable option than it was decades ago. I have often felt that would have been the better option at the time.

In a place where right now our society is more hurtful to some than others, anxiety exists in a lot of people’s lives. The idea of going to see someone is a safe yet still an unacceptable option in many circles. The ability to talk through your issues with a professional can be an asset in our lives. We need to continue to learn to be okay with reaching out to leave us less alone with our fears and confusion. As I said in the beginning, the idea of being openly vulnerable with someone can be challenging. 

I’m a big advocate of talk therapy. I’ve seen it work in my own life. Feeling less alone in a rather unforgiving society can be a blessing in our lives. I would encourage anyone dealing with difficult personal issues to consider seeking out a therapist. Sharing your hidden concerns with a professional might do wonders for your state of mind. Peace.