"Let's talk about going to therapy the same way we talk about going to the gym."
That's what one said article that I read recently. Although the article was about another mental health topic, this phrase caught my attention.
The idea of speaking more openly about therapy is very interesting because, although conditions such as anxiety and depression affect millions of people, Seeking help for our mental health continues to be a stigma that deprives those who need it of professional care.
Fortunately, this is changing and Attending psychotherapy is increasingly seen as a sign of courage and pursuit of well-being. (which is what it is) and less a dark secret that must remain hidden. Still, there's still a long way to go to normalize and democratize mental health care.
We boast about going to the gym and joke, somewhat embarrassedly, about not going because we know the benefits it brings to our health. And what about our minds? How do we take care of our thoughts and emotions? Sometimes, as the article points out, we simply remain silent and exclude others, keeping quiet about the fact that we are, have been, or want to be in therapy. Being more open about these issues could have a significant and motivating impact on others. It could even help us connect with others.
It's not about becoming a spokesperson for therapy, and logically, everyone will say what they consider appropriate. But the proposal remains valid: let's talk about going to therapy the same way we talk about going to the gym. Normally, and with the confidence that comes from knowing we're taking care of our health and that we're able to ask for help when we need it.
This may be a good step towards demystifying psychotherapeutic processes.
