Why people seek therapy; Is it for everyone?

Mental wellness is crucial for leading a fulfilling and balanced life. However, life’s challenges and traumatic experiences such as loss of a loved one, witnessing an accident, sexual abuse, bad working conditions among others, can take a person’s mental health.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), Kenya is ranked the fifth among African countries with the highest number of mental health related issues. At least 1 in 4 Kenyans may be suffering from a mental health condition.

With this at hand, seeking therapy can be a transformative and important step towards achieving and maintaining mental wellness. However, this doesn’t entirely mean that everyone should go to therapy to get answers to the issues they’re facing. There are individuals that have mastered the art of dealing with their issues at a personal level and that is still okay.

Therapy involves verbal and psychological techniques to help people change behaviors, thoughts and emotions that cause problems or distress.

Is therapy really for everyone? 

Many people have an assumption that therapy is only for the people with severe mental health conditions like; Schizophrenia, psychosis, autism, bipolar and many more. Issues like stress and anxiety are seen to be very normal. 

Lilian Kasanga, a certified therapist at Mind and Beyond Counselling Centre, says that therapy is for anyone who is willing to know and understand themselves better.

“One does not need to have severe mental illness to seek therapy. It is actually for anyone who is open to self-awareness but in case of mental health issues, therapy is highly recommended. Again, therapy isn’t for a specific age bracket, even children or adolescents can seek therapy,” she emphasized.

“Most issues emanate from family.”

She also mentions instances that can make one need therapy;

• Traumatic experiences

Persons who have witnessed or undergone a traumatic experience such as molestation, a fatal accident, physical abuse, emotional abuse, violence among others should seek therapy. Victims of such experiences are likely to have symptoms of flashbacks, nightmares and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

• Unhealthy work environment.

Work environment can be hectic sometimes and this can take a toll on mental health. The negative effects can be from excessive workload or lack of support from other team players. Such elements can make one feel like their presence isn’t valued, some maybe be very fearful when interacting with the rest because of the negativity, some may even opt to quit the job.

Lilian says unhealthy work environment lowers the productivity of an individual.

• Suicidal thoughts

Issues such as relationship breakups, divorce, family issues, trauma could lead one to suicidal thoughts. 

“Many young people have sought therapy because of broken relationships and family issues. Others say they have attempted suicide before but it didn’t work that’s why they opted for therapy,” says Kasanga.

• Addiction.

This is the inability to stop using a substance or engage in a behavior even though it may cause psychological or physical harm. The most common addictions are; drugs addiction, masturbation, alcohol addiction, gambling.

Lilian says that most addicts are not just adolescents as the society thinks, adults are also victims of addiction and unfortunately most of them do not seek psychological help.

“Sisi tushakua watu wakubwa, there is nothing we can solve now.” Such statements make them to drown in the addiction that sometimes leads to their death.

• Feeling hopeless

Quite a number of individuals have found themselves in this state especially because of overwhelming life challenges. Lilian encourages those that can’t control such emotions to find someone they can talk to.

• Grief.

This is such a tough space to be in. It is usually experienced after a significant loss of someone, something or even a job. Majority find it so hard to cope when they have encountered loss. The grieving period is so ‘ugly’. Some days you think you’ve gotten over it, some days the emotions seem so fresh and they overwhelm you.

“The period of grief takes quite some time. Its not an overnight achievement. It’s not something you can get over in days no matter how many times you try. Those around you may wonder why you’re still mourning over something that you lost months ago. It is not easy, it has never been easy,” she notes.

Is therapy really important? Or…. is it just overrated?

Wanjiku (24), has seen a psychologist before and she says that therapy is good and it helps a lot.

“It is much needed but not 100% embraced. Many view it from a perspective of shame because you’ll disclose what has been happening in your family, friendships and generally your life,” she says.

“Therapy expands your thinking capacity. It is not just about sitting on the couch. It is more than that. You can also share thoughts and some life lessons, this will increase your knowledge,” she emphasizes.

For Elias (30), therapy isn’t for everyone and no one should be convinced or forced to go to therapy unless they want to.

“Therapy is a scam; it makes matters worse. It doesn’t solve anything. You’d rather deal with your own issues than open up to someone who won’t provide any help to you,” he said.

Julian (23), also says that he believes in finding solutions on his own than speaking to someone else.

“Opening up makes you a weak man,” he added.

The above sentiments depict how therapy isn’t as important as it is to other people and that’s okay.

Barbra Alivitsa, a graduate of Psychology studies says that therapy isn’t meant to solve problems.

“Most people go to therapy with the idea of solving their problems. Therapy doesn’t solve problems. It helps you to look at life with an open mind. Understanding yourself and knowing how to manage your emotions and to deal with life issues as they arise,” she says.

She says that therapy enables a healthier lifestyle, helps one to be more self-aware, helps in fixing relationships and regaining trust especially to the victims of addiction who find it hard to stick to their promises or keep their word.

“While one may have a problem with a negative aspect of coping, visiting or talking to a therapist can assist one in analyzing. Moreover, it can also strengthen the relationship with family and friends because you will have identified their triggers and you’ll avoid them,” she adds.

“Vulnerability is not a weakness. If you have issues, work on them before you affect the next person.”