If you are looking to work with a Counselor in Southfield, MI please call Miche Lamé at 248-212-0808 or e-mail [email protected].
Five Times You Should See a Counselor
Emotional problems can be complicated, and it is sometimes hard to know when you need to seek professional help
Emotional problems can be complicated, and it is sometimes hard to know when you need to seek professional help. Too often, we wait for problems to resolve on their own, or we minimize symptoms of mental illness, trying to conquer them through prayer or willpower. In many churches, there is a stigma that comes with seeing a counselor. For too many, entering a therapist’s office feels like an admission of failure.
Reaching out to a professional Christian counselor simply means you are seeking emotional support for something beyond your control. Brain functioning, relationship complications and tragedy are all things you cannot control. But you can take steps to become well again. Here are some times you should consider seeing a professional Christian counselor:
When Your Mood Changes for More Than Two Weeks
Diagnosis of a depressive or manic episode requires symptoms to be present for at least two weeks. Depression is characterized by sadness, loss of interest in most activities, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, changes in sleep (sleeping too much or not enough), and unusual changes in weight. Other symptoms include restlessness, difficulty with concentration, and wishes for death or thoughts of suicide.
It is important to note that anyone who is actively thinking about suicide should go to their local emergency room right away or call the National Suicide Prevention Line at (800) 273-8255.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, mood changes can also come in the form of manic symptoms. These include unusually elated mood, a lack of need for sleep, increased talkativeness, racing thoughts and poor attention span. Other symptoms are an inflated sense of self (grandiosity), extreme or risky behaviors like driving recklessly or spending excessive amounts of money and over-involvement in multiple tasks at once.
Mood changes can occur at any time of life, and depression is one of the most commonly experienced disorders in America. New mothers should pay attention if they begin to experience depression and should seek help right away. Two weeks may be too long in some cases, so get help at the earliest sign of a problem.
When Anxiety Starts to Take Over
We all experience common, everyday worries about work, our kids or financial difficulties. In these moments, we can remind ourselves to trust God or pray that He works in the situation. However, some experience anxiety symptoms that go beyond basic anxious thoughts and move into a full-blown physical anxiety.
This sometimes comes in the form of a sudden panic attack, in which one’s heart is pounding, thoughts are racing, dizziness sets in and palms are sweaty. While these symptoms are often very scary, they do pass after a period of a few minutes or sometimes up to an hour.
If you have experienced a panic attack or have other physical signs of anxiety such as stomach pain, digestion problems, inability to concentrate or feelings of dread you should seek professional help. A counselor can help you learn ways to cope, address any root problems that might exist, and connect you with other resources that could help (such as a support group).
When Tragedy Strikes
When we experience the death of a loved one or a traumatic incident, we typically get a lot of support from family and friends. Cards expressing sympathy, meals or comforting conversations pour in for a time but then begin to dry up much too soon. Grieving is a normal process and some can walk through it with the supports they have in their lives. Others experience a level of pain or torment that goes beyond what any family member or friend can give.
Traumatic events can affect people differently. Some experience anxiety symptoms right away, some are resilient in the first few months and then experience a sudden wave of flashbacks or thoughts about the event and some bounce back without experiencing clinical symptoms at all. Why our bodies respond differently is a mystery, but anytime you have experienced a trauma it is worth talking about it with a professional. Getting support can help you learn to cope, and talking about your experiences helps your brain to process them into long-term memory.
When Conflict Becomes Repetitive or Escalated
Marriage and family conflict is another important time when professional counseling can help. Sadly, too many couples or families wait until things have fallen apart before seeking counseling. Some only go to counseling as a last-ditch effort or to prove that they “tried” to make things work.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – seek counseling when you notice conflict that is repetitive, cyclical or escalating. When you seem to fight about the same thing every day for days, weeks or months on end, it’s time to bring in a professional who can help you learn new communication strategies, uncover the root of the conflict, and guide the process of rebuilding trust. Family conflict can bring about other symptoms as well, such as depression or anxiety, so it is important to get help before the conflict takes over your emotional life.
Anytime You Just Need to Talk
There is no “right time” to go to a professional counselor, and if you are thinking about seeking help it may be a sign that now is a good time to do it. We all get “stuck” sometimes and just need someone to help us see ourselves from a different perspective. Friends can often help in this way, but sometimes your problems can go beyond what friends can give.
Go with your gut and get the help you need sooner rather than later. Research Christian counselors in your area or find one through New Life Ministries or Focus on the Family. Ask your pastor or friends if they know a good therapist. There is nothing noble about trying to figure things out on your own. When we enter into a place of humility and take a bold step into the counselor’s office, we can begin to experience healing and freedom once again. source: vitalmagazine.com
If you need a professional Counselor in Southfield, MI please call Miche Lamé at 248-212-0808
or e-mail [email protected].