Top Reasons Why People Don’t Sign Up For Mental Health Therapy & Our Responses to Them
Despite the fact that ALL people have mental health (just like we ALL have physical health), many people still do not pursue therapy as a means of caring for their emotional well-being. When it comes to physical health, individuals are–at a minimum– encouraged to have an annual physical and doctor’s appointment for when health concerns arise. With regard to mental health, however, many of us have never been taught that therapy was an option for preventative care or times of emotional distress. In fact, many of us have received harmful messages that dissuade people from seeking services that have the potential to help them. Here are a few of the most common reasons we hear for why people don’t seek mental health therapy. We’ve thrown in our own thoughts on these reasons for good measure! 😉
Reason #1: I don’t have time for therapy.
Our Response: We make time for the things that are important to us. Unfortunately, so many of us put others (our jobs, our families, etc.) over ourselves. If you’re not prioritizing your own wellness, it will be hard to show up for others and to perform well on the job too! At LifeSpring, we think you’re worth investing in! Do you truly not have one hour each week to focus on yourself? And, what will the consequences be if you don’t prioritize your mental health (P.S. We already know that answer, and it’s not good)! With telehealth, you can participate in online therapy without wasting time on a commute.
Reason #2: Therapy is too expensive.
Our Response: LifeSpring, we accept Cigna, Evernorth, CareFirst, BlueCross BlueShield, and Johns Hopkins EHP plans to make counseling services more affordable and accessible.
Many other mental health practices accept insurance too. And….we spend money on the things that are important to us. What does your spending say about what’s important to you? Does your spending show that YOU matter?
Reason #3: People will think I’m crazy if I attend therapy.
Our Response: Firstly, your decision to attend therapy is nobody else’s business. And…signing up for therapy is nothing to be ashamed of, so by all means, share about it freely. We need to work on destigmatizing mental health and mental health therapy. You wouldn’t judge someone who told you they had to leave work early for their annual physical would you? Didn’t think so!
Anyone who thinks people are crazy for seeking counseling doesn’t know what they’re talking about. They’re just showing you that they are out of touch!
Signing up for counseling shows insight. It shows a desire for support and change. It shows a belief that things can be better! If you’re interested in counseling, don’t let the naysayers stop you! Get your needs met and show them how good going to counseling looks on you!
Reason #4: Nobody is accepting new therapy clients.
Our Response: How do you know? Have you actually made calls? If not, it’s time to pick up the phone or go online to start looking for a counselor. Many counseling practices have openings, but you’ll never know if you don’t actually pick up the phone. LifeSpring Counseling Services is accepting new clients, and we know of many other practices who are accepting new clients too.
Reason #5: I was told I’m just supposed to pray about it.
Our Response: Yes, prayer is great. And….you wouldn’t just pray if you had a physical health problem would you? Nope….didn’t think so. Mental health is no different. If you’re feeling anxious, down or depressed, pick up the phone and schedule an appointment.
Nobody but you gets to decide whether or not you get the professional help you need! Faith leaders, help us send positive messages about receiving mental health counseling services! The people you serve need to hear you say it!!
Reason #6: You’re not supposed to “air out” family business.
Our Response: This message only benefits the people engaging in and perpetuating unhealthy behaviors. Holding things in, sweeping them under the rug, and keeping them under the family roof simply allows harmful behaviors to go unchecked. Holding things in keeps people sick. Consider the source of this information. The person who’s telling you not to talk with anyone about what has happened in the family is protecting someone or something, and it’s not you!
If you’re ready to go against the grain for the sake of breaking generational curses and finding your own voice and healing, decide for yourself that counseling is OK. You can talk about what’s going on with your family in counseling, AND know that your therapist is required to keep your information confidential. We’ll talk with you about any situations in which we are required to share information.
Reason #7: I was taught that you’re supposed to deal with certain things on your own.
Our Response: Yes, unfortunately, many of us have been taught that we’re just supposed to bootstrap it, white-knuckle-it, and figure things out on our own without ever asking for help or seeking professional support. While there’s value in being an independent and resourceful human being, being overly independent can be a flaw that negatively impacts us. We have to learn when to be independent AND when to seek support. If you’ve been trying to figure things out on your own without making headway, now is the time to reach out. Licensed counselors and social workers have training to help you feel better and move forward. And…for independent people like you, you’ll be happy to know that we’ll teach you skills that you can use (on your own) during and after therapy.
We’ve clearly heard a lot of “reasons” why people don’t seek out the help they need. As you can see, we also have lots of strong opinions about them. Put bluntly, stop making excuses and get the help you need. Refusing to do so does result in unwanted and unexpected consequences. Ask us how we know!
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The Effects of Mental Health Stigmas and How to Combat Them
Stress: Effects on Your Personal Life, Mental Wellbeing, and Physical Health
How to Encourage Someone to Seek Counseling in an Open and Honest Way
How to Care for Yourself When Someone in Your Life Will Not Seek Therapy
When to Talk to Your Human Resources Department About Your Mental Health
Search Our Other Blogs!
Interested in Counseling for Stress, Worry, Anxiety, or Depression?
If you’re a Marylander who knows that counseling is the direction you need to take, the therapists at LifeSpring Counseling Services are here to help. We offer online counseling services for mindfulness, depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief and loss. We also offer Brainspotting as a specialized service, and Brainspotting can be done online, too!
Here’s how you can get started! Online counseling for stress, worry, anxiety, and depression aren’t the only services offered at our Maryland office
The counselors and social workers at our Maryland office also offer counseling services for trauma, grief and loss, boundary setting, communication skills, and difficult life transitions. We also offer specialized counseling services including Brainspotting and spiritually-integrated counseling. Because we are located next to several local universities, we also work with college students and international students.
Written by: Melissa Wesner, LCPC
Melissa is the Founder of LifeSpring Counseling Services in Maryland, and she is a Certified Brainspotter and Brainspotting Consultant who specializes in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, and sex therapy.
