Why Should I Go to Therapy? 9 Signs It’s Time to See a Therapist

January 13, 2025
By GoodTherapy

It May be Time to Seek a Therapist

We all reach moments in life when things feel like too much — when struggles pile up, and even small tasks feel overwhelming. Maybe you’ve noticed it’s harder to get through the day, or that your once-familiar joy just isn’t there anymore. It’s not always easy to tell when a rough patch has become something deeper, but being aware of certain signs can help you decide when to reach out for extra support. When any type of mental health or emotional concern affects daily life and function, therapy may be recommended. Therapy can help you learn about what you’re feeling, why you might be feeling it, and how to cope. Psychotherapy, talk or talking therapy, counseling, or simply therapy — no matter the name it’s known by, mental health counseling can benefit people struggling with emotional difficulties, life challenges, and mental health concerns.

Why You Should Consider Therapy?

Seeking therapy isn’t about needing to be “fixed” or having something “wrong.” Instead, it’s a safe space where you can work through thoughts, emotions, and life’s complexities with someone who understands and has the tools to guide you toward feeling better. Therapy can help improve symptoms of many mental health conditions. In therapy, people can learn to cope with symptoms that may not respond to treatment right away. Research shows the benefits of therapy last longer than medication alone. Medication can reduce some symptoms of mental health conditions, but therapy teaches people skills to address many symptoms on their own.

Therapy also lets you talk through life’s challenges, such as breakups, grief, parenting difficulties, health impacts, or family struggles. For example, couples counseling can help you and your partner work through relationship troubles and learn new ways of relating to each other. Note that crisis resources, not couples counseling, are typically recommended for abusive relationships.

If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to ask for help, keep reading to learn about a few common signs that therapy could bring you relief, greater understanding, and the strength to take on life’s challenges with a renewed sense of purpose.

How Common are Mental Health Issues?

Mental health issues are common. Recent statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Health show 1 out of every 5 American adults lives with a mental health condition, while 1 in 20 adults experience a serious mental health condition each year. 1 in 6 U.S. youth age 6-17 experience a mental health disorder.

But only about 40% of people with mental health issues get help. Untreated mental health issues often get worse and may have other negative effects. They could also lead to:

Inability to work or go to school
Difficulty in relationships or taking care of children
Increased risk of health issues
Hospitalization
Suicide

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people in the United States between the ages of 10 and 34. About 90% of people who die by suicide in the U.S. lived with a mental health condition.

The best option for anyone contemplating suicide is to get immediate help is reaching out to a suicide helpline through phone, text message, or online chat. You may be encouraged to call or visit the nearest emergency room. A therapist can help support you going forward, once you are no longer in crisis.

The GoodTherapy registry might be helpful to you. We have thousands of therapists listed with us who would love to walk with you on your journey. Find the support you need today!

Recognizing the Signs You Could Benefit From Therapy

It may take some consideration before you decide you’re ready for therapy. You might want to wait and see if time, lifestyle changes, or the support of friends and family improves whatever you’re struggling with.

The American Psychological Association suggests you consider a time to see a therapist when something causes distress and interferes with some part of life, particularly when:

Thinking about or coping with the issue takes up at least an hour each day
The issue causes embarrassment or makes you want to avoid others
The issue has caused your quality of life to decrease
The issue has negatively affected school, work, or relationships
You’ve made changes in your life or developed habits to cope with the issue

If you experience any of the following emotions or feelings to the extent that they interfere with life, therapy may help you reduce their effects. It’s especially important to consider it’s time to see a therapist if you feel controlled by symptoms or if they could cause harm to yourself or others.

1. Feeling Constantly Overwhelmed, Anxious, or Have Intrusive Thoughts.

While life is frequently stressful, constant feelings of overwhelm, unease, or anxiety can sometimes linger without relief and become so present that they negatively impact your daily life. When these feelings cause physical symptoms, constant intrusive thoughts, interfere with your ability to work, connect with others, or manage day-to-day responsibilities, it might be time to seek support. Therapy offers tools to manage anxiety and ways to identify its root causes, helping you regain a sense of calm and control.

2. Experiencing Persistent Sadness or Hopelessness.

Sadness in certain quantities is a normal part of life, but if it persists or intensifies into depression, therapy can offer a safe space to work through your feelings. Losing hope or motivation, or feeling as if you have no future, can indicate depression or another mental health condition. Whether due to loss, major life changes, or something harder to pinpoint, a therapist can help you process dark days, find coping strategies, and regain hope.

3. Struggling with Self-Esteem or Negative Self-Talk.

Feeling like you’re not enough or constantly doubting your self-worth can be exhausting and isolating. If self-criticism is holding you back from being social, pursuing goals, or feeling proud of yourself, therapy can help you see your inherent value. If you often compare yourself to others or constantly feel unworthy, these patterns could be signs that professional support may be needed.

4. Facing Major Life Transitions.

Major changes, such as a new job, a move, political events, or a relationship shift, often come with their fair share of tough questions and difficult emotions. If these transitions leave you feeling stuck, unprepared, overly stressed, or totally lost, therapy can help you manage the change. Experiencing an intense fear of failure, regret, or constant second-guessing might be signs that professional support might be needed to make the transition smoother.

5. Difficulty in Relationships.

Healthy relationships take effort, but if you find yourself facing recurring conflict, isolation, or trust issues, therapy can offer tools to navigate these challenges and strengthen your connection. Signs of recurring resentment, loneliness, or emotional distance are often early indicators that couples therapy or individual therapy might be necessary. Working with a relationship counselor can help you understand unhealthy patterns, improve communication, and build stronger, more fulfilling emotional bonds.

6. Turning to Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms.

Turning to habit-forming behaviors for comfort can provide a quick fix, but will often lead to lasting issues. If you’re increasingly relying on substances, excessive screen time, unhealthy eating, or other habits to cope, therapy can provide a better alternative. Exploring these patterns in a nonjudgmental space can offer clarity and provide new ways to handle stress in healthier, more sustainable ways. Signs like secrecy, guilt, or relying on substances or habit-forming activities to escape your emotions can indicate a need for support in making changes.

7. Difficulty After Trauma

Unprocessed trauma can lead to flashbacks, hypervigilance, or a constant sense of unease. If you find yourself avoiding certain places or people, struggling with trust, fighting intrusive emotions, or feeling on edge without explanation, it might be time to consider therapy. Working through the trauma with a professional can help you feel safer, and more grounded, ultimately opening, and ultimately open the door for healing.

8. Feeling “Stuck” or Lacking Motivation.

When you feel stuck, unmotivated, or disconnected from the things you once enjoyed, therapy can help you reestablish a sense of purpose. Processing these feelings with a therapist can provide fresh perspectives, renewed energy, and the inspiration you need to face life head-on.

9. You’re Interested in Bettering Yourself.

If you’re asking whether or not you need therapy, you might want to go ahead and try it out. Therapy isn’t just for people with trauma or “something wrong” — professional mental guidance can benefit just about anyone by improving self-understanding, everyday coping strategies, empathy, communication, and so much more. Even the “healthiest” individuals can gain so much from having a protected space to share and reflect. You don’t need to wait for things to get bad before starting therapy, just like you shouldn’t wait for health problems to appear before starting regular checkups with a physician.

Additional Signs:

Fatigue.

This physical symptom often results from or accompanies mental health issues. It can indicate depression. Fatigue can cause you to sleep more than usual or have trouble getting out of bed in the morning.

Disproportionate rage, anger, or resentment.

Everyone feels anger at times. Even passing rage isn’t necessarily harmful. Seeking support to deal with these feelings may be a good idea when they don’t pass, are extreme compared to the situation, or if they lead you to take violent or potentially harmful actions.

Agoraphobia.

People with agoraphobia fear being in places where they might experience panic attacks or become trapped. Some people may become unable to leave their houses.

Apathy.

Losing interest in usual activities, the world around you, or life in general can indicate mental health issues like depression or anxiety.

Social Withdrawal

Many people feel better when they’re able to spend at least some time alone. Introverted people may need even more time alone than others. But if you feel distressed around others or fear being with other people, therapy can help you understand and deal with these feelings.

What If I’ve Already Tried Therapy and It Didn’t Work?

Sometimes therapy doesn’t “work” right away. Even in an ideal therapy situation, it can take time for symptoms to improve. – months or years. Going to therapy and seeing no change may cause frustration. Perhaps you haven’t found the right therapist, so it’s worth it to continue your search for help. If you’re still experiencing any of the symptoms above, therapy should still be an option. Don’t stop your quest to improve your mental health.

It can help to look for a therapist who treats what you’re experiencing. If you don’t have a diagnosis, you can talk to potential therapists about your symptoms. Most therapists will let you know if they’re able to treat your concern. If they can’t, they may be able to recommend someone who can.

Keep in mind different approaches may be better for different issues. If you didn’t feel heard in your previous therapy, or if your symptoms have changed since your last therapy session, a different therapist might be exactly what you to move forward.

The Benefits to Seeking Therapy

If you’re considering therapy, you may be thinking about the possible drawbacks. Cost might be a concern for you. You might also be aware that therapy is often difficult. Trauma or other painful events from the past can be frightening to remember and discuss with someone. Working through challenges isn’t easy, and therapy isn’t always a quick fix. Make sure that when you’re ready to see a therapist that you can be honest with yourself and with your them.

But if you’re willing to do the work, therapy can be rewarding. It’s a safe, judgment-free space where you can share anything, with a trained professional who is there to help.

Here are a few benefits of therapy:

You’ll learn more about yourself. Therapists listen to your story and help you make connections. They might offer guidance or recommendations if you feel lost. Therapy can empower you to take action on your own.
Therapy can help you achieve your goals. If you aren’t sure of what your goals are, therapy can help you clarify them and set realistic steps to meet them.
Therapy can help you have more fulfilling relationships. Whether you’re single or in a relationship, therapy can help you address difficulties relating to others, such as insecurity in relationships or difficulty trusting your partners.
You’re more likely to have better health. Research supports a link between mind and body wellness. Untreated mental health issues can impact physical wellness. On the other hand, people in good emotional health may be more able to deal with physical health issues that arise.
Therapy can lead to improvement in all areas of life. If you feel like something is holding you back from living life as you envision it, therapy can help you address this. When you aren’t sure what’s keeping you from making change, therapy can help you discover the answer.

How Therapy Can Help You Move Forward

If you recognize the signs that a change is needed, starting therapy could provide a gateway to greater well-being. It’s more than just talking about what’s not right — it’s a chance to explore new perspectives, recognize patterns, and build skills that help you manage stress, strengthen relationships, and improve your overall mental state. With the right therapist, you’ll work together to set goals that feel meaningful to you, taking small steps that create lasting change.

At GoodTherapy, we make it easy to find the perfect therapist for your individual personality and needs, cutting the guesswork and difficulty out of finding empowering support. Whatever challenges you face, remember you’re not alone — help is here when you’re ready.

Even if you aren’t sure you want to commit to therapy, many therapists offer a free first session or phone consultation to talk through what you’re dealing with. Based on your symptoms, they might encourage you to get help. Begin your search for a therapist today!

If you believe you may need help beyond or in addition to a therapist, GoodTherapy Recovery Treatment Centers provide additional options to help beat addictions.

The preceding article was solely written by the author named above. Any views and opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by GoodTherapy.org.