With how intense and impactful the past year has been in terms of its unprecedented nature, many may have found themselves in a mental health dilemma during these times of isolation. Some may find that they struggle with feelings of loneliness or anxiety that were not previously addressed due to the fast paced nature of our lives in a pre-pandemic setting, or are even experiencing a sense of trauma due to the escalation of events.

Additionally, there is even a struggle to identify these mental health issues and further be proactive in addressing them with a mental health professional as our methods of treatment are mostly online with very few offering the in person communication that many strive to obtain once again. It is with this new digital age transition and lingering feelings of uncertainty that deter individuals from seeking much needed mental health assistance, however, it is important to remember that there is no one concrete method for mental health healing, as much exploration is needed to keep a sense of motivation to make that first appointment.

In addressing and identifying that there is a mental health need within yourself that must be assessed, there is already a sense of initiative being taken to embark on your healing journey. The next step is, of course seeking help in the form of therapy or psychiatric evaluation, however this can be quite difficult for many as the searching process can become overwhelming which can affect overall motivation. In the moments where we can feel ourselves relinquishing the strive for assistance, we must take a step back and ask ourselves What is it that I want from this? What is it that I need? And in truly answering those questions we can bring ourselves closer to that decision making phase. The next questions we must ask ourselves in terms of therapy consideration is the financial effects as well as personal preferences such as gender, sexuality, and culture that impact your overall comfort with this important decision.

When treating the process of seeking assistance as a way of exploring yourself in asking these important questions, a sense of excitement and clarity can be evoked when the thought of mental and emotional development is placed within those terms. Of course, when the time comes to look towards different mental health services whether it be through a referral, friend recommendation, or even via a Google search it can become tiring when weaving through the many options that are available. Another way of centralizing the search process towards your needs is utilizing tailored mental health service apps, websites, and programs such as Mental Health Match or Psychology Today where your needs are taken into account and the process transforms from a scavenger hunt to a seamless transition into a decision that will impact your overall mental health and wellness for the better.

Scheduling and even speaking with a mental health professional can be daunting upon a first impression, however, when we take a step back and reflect on the position that these individuals have taken in assisting others with their mental emotional needs the anxiety we feel tends to lessen, and instead forms into comfort. Should struggles with adhering to a schedule or keeping reminders arise, reaching out and explaining your situation as well as connecting with those closest to you to help with accountability are wonderful ways to ensure that not only are you instilling a strong support system through this process, but you are allowing yourself to have every opportunity possible to heal and care for yourself.

These psychotherapists, psychiatrists, and counselors are here to help and guide you every step of the way and while sometimes one method may not work out, it does not mean that finding help is impossible. It is okay to feel emotions other than complete happiness, this is part of our human nature and we can only grow from looking towards the resources that will help support and guide us in our own personal developments.