Therapy
Look into my eyes….do you see a relaxed, happy, calm and balanced individual? I hope you do! I have had a therapist on and off for over 15 years. For many people, having a therapist may be a sign of weakness but for me, having a therapist provides a sense of strength, balance and peace. Being able to talk to someone who is trained to help you think deeper on important topics is vital for my life. I am able to see things from a general view instead personal view. Things said and done in my world are now objective which removes the proverbial “chip” off oy shoulder.
I was seeing a therapist directly before Covid. When therapy went virtual, it didn’t have the same impact for me personally, so I stopped attending therapy. A couple of weeks ago I realized it would be nice to see a therapist again. I had several situations where I felt uncomfortable returning to the world of making plans due to constantly being cancelled on and let down. I was having issues getting ready to go somewhere- I have been in workout clothing without makeup for 18 months and didn’t have anything to get ready for. Suddenly, I have places to go and I STRUGGLE getting ready! What’s makeup? What is considered “stylish?” All of these things made me uncomfortable. I want to feel comfortable with the worlds changes and properly adjust to the”new normal.”
I called my insurance company to get a list of therapist who were safely practicing in person. After calling every single therapist office, there was not one available therapist on the days I was available. The receptionist of the last therapist office said “you know…there has been a shortage of in-person therapist for the last 6 months with the rise of people seeking therapy due to COVID19 PTSD.” WHAT!? A shortage of toilet paper, a shortage of milk, a shortage of ground beef, a shortage of school bus drivers and now a shortage of THERAPIST!!!!! I can’t.
In the very moment I was told about the Therapist shortage I realized I have other frustrations which must be worked out. The shortage of products, the fear of not being able to find important products which has turned into an wierd hoarding issue (mainly with toilet paper), the patience it takes to get products and services when I need them and the irritance of speaking to other people about these frustrations because of the multitude of beliefs which causes strife. I waited 7 months for a backyard fence due to “product shortage”, I have had several people ask to buy my son’s older SUV due to car shortages, I was 3months over due to get my teeth cleaned due to appointment shortages- the list goes on and on… and now there is a THERAPIST SHORTAGE 🤯 I am on a waiting is to speak to someone about being frustrated about the waiting list! The definition of Insanity.
I write this short post to hopefully open anyone’s mind to getting therapy and to take the stigma away from seeing a therapist. Yes, therapist are people who have their own issues BUT having a non related person involved in your mental life allows a clearer outside viewpoint and perhaps guide you to a more insightful response instead of an emotional thought. Do you ever notice how when your friend is dating someone who is a horrible match for them, YOU can see the situation clearly for what it is? You can see the person mistreats them or cheats on them or uses them. YOU can explain the situation as a outsider looking in. Therapy can provide the same outlook!
I will patiently wait for an opening to see an in-network therapist. Mental health is extremely important for me to remain a great person who can give back in the world. Best wishes to you💕
To subscribe to get new post notifications, please submit your email here.