When Should We Seek Help from a Psychologist?

Nowadays, seeking psychological help no longer seems to be the taboo or daunting task it was just a few years ago. The growing presence of social media and the influence of the media in our lives means that issues related to mental health and psychological well-being reach us almost daily. Despite the gradual visibility of psychology and the work of psychologists in society, there is still a segment of the population that delays seeking specialized support.

The reasons for this delay are varied and may be due to lack of awareness, stigma, and/or underestimation of signs and symptoms. So, the question arises: When should we seek help from a psychologist? What needs to happen in our lives to prompt this search? It may be difficult to identify the threshold that motivates us to turn to a psychologist, but we can try. 

First, it’s important to understand that this threshold can differ from person to person. It is said that no two people are alike, and indeed, we all have unique ways of managing and adapting to everyday events and life circumstances. Therefore, it is expected that countless reasons lead people to seek psychological support.

Note that seeking psychological help is an act of care, responsibility, and concern for psychological health and overall well-being. Thus, professional help is beneficial when a problem or distressing situation significantly impacts quality of life. In this sense, let’s address some warning signs:

• Frequent anxiety, worry, or fear;
• Constant feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and sadness;
• Low self-esteem;
• Isolation;
• Loss of interest in activities we used to enjoy;
• Procrastination;
• Decline in academic/professional performance;
• Lack of motivation;
• Changes in eating and/or sleeping habits;
• Among others… 

The involvement of a psychologist in our lives can happen at any time. It is normal that, due to various more or less challenging circumstances, changes occur in how we manage emotions, behaviors, and thoughts in everyday situations. However, if we find that these difficulties are not alleviated through other valuable resources (such as talking to a friend or family member, or self-care), it is advisable to seek help.

There are many scenarios in which a psychologist can be the necessary answer, even if there isn’t necessarily an explicit “problem.” Above all, a psychologist is a professional who, in collaboration with the client, works towards self-knowledge and autonomy, promoting and enhancing personal development.

Finally, seeking help from a psychologist should always be a thoughtful act, and therefore, it may take some time to find a trustworthy professional with whom we feel understood and free from judgment. In fact, having psychological support from a professional who meets these conditions is crucial for therapeutic outcomes, and at Ivory, we can find reliable professionals who are available to help in this process of seeking well-being and health.

Above all, let’s not wait for the different thresholds mentioned throughout this article. Psychological help is essential for achieving a better quality of life. So, why leave the care of our well-being for tomorrow?