At a young age, I experienced basic anxiety symptoms, specifically time anxiety and coping with other friends with severe mental illness which began my involvement in psychotherapy. Later, I developed a plane phobia and went to hypnotherapy to alleviate intense symptoms while flying. I resumed psychotherapy after my abusive relationship and through my struggle with depression-anxiety with some symptoms of PTSD.
I used to think therapy was only for those who symptoms were apparent and withdrew from society. Due to the overwhelming negative stigma associated with therapy I thought that therapy was meant for “weak” dependent people. So initially starting therapy was hard for me to grasp. I treated my weekly visits as a secret. Overtime this conception of therapy changed dramatically. Therapy transformed into a very common practice that almost all of my friends underwent. Not only did therapy become destigmatized with age, it evolved in my mind from something that “weak” people did to something strong individuals did with incredible self-agency to get better.
The therapy process has come a long way but it still exists under a glaring microscope looked at with criticism. The process needs to be integrated into everyday dialogue. I also believe that there is a belief that the therapy process can be accelerated for results, rather than a long-term solution for a patient, which I believe is more sustainable and productive.
My parents scheduled my therapy sessions and were with my every step of the way. However, they were not present at the therapy sessions. I knew therapy was working when life became easier and more enjoyable. I was not the only one who noticed the positive effects of therapy, all those around me could tell. It is very evident for parents to know if therapy is working if they notice a change (whether small or big) in their child.
For those who are just starting on their mental health healing journey, I would recommend keeping an open mind during therapy. Some practices or questions in therapy may seem irrelevant or bizarre, but just try everything because you may surprise yourself. While dealing with my PTSD symptoms I went through EMDR (Eye Moment Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy), which is an eye movement treatment that is supposed to simulate REM sleep to dissociate negative thoughts with memories. Upon my therapist telling me about this practice I rolled my eyes, however, I saw immediate results from this unusual treatment.
Another piece of advice I have is always to be honest. If something is not working, SPEAK UP! Do not go with the flow. Therapy is about the individual and every individual is different regardless of similar diagnoses. You will not see results if you are not honest. YOU GOT THIS! I know this all may seem daunting but I am telling you that you can do this. I believe in you, just like I believed in myself at the beginning of my mental health healing journey. By reading this you have already made a huge step in the right direction. KEEP GOING! I admire my past self and admire you. You are a warrior!
By: Hannah Magarian, AiT Contributor