Leave It to The Professional: Don’t DIY Your Mental Health Plan

Like many girls who are growing up in the age of Pinterest and Instagram; social media has convinced me that I can DIY almost any project under the sun. From my handmade Pippy Longstocking Halloween costume to the ugly Christmas sweater I stitched together using the entire holiday section at Michaels; if it’s something that costs money, I can do it just as well at home. Of course, such projects come at double the price and triple the time that it would take if I just bought the thing on amazon, but that’s all in the fine print section of DIY challenges.  On the other hand, I do NOT love DIY for bigger projects, such as building a wooden fence with my husband this past fall in 20-degree weather. We spent a lot of Sunday afternoons in the cold just to discover that we are not the next Chip and Joanna. I guess the old saying is true – “there’s a time and place for everything”. As much as I appreciate a Pinterest-inspired DIY challenge; caring for your mental health is one of those things that should be left to a professional - like a root canal or highlights! 

Here are three reasons why seeking professional help can make all the difference for you this new year – leaving you feeling hopeful, inspired, joyful, and recovered. 

1. Confidentiality – Mental Health therapists are bound by law to keep your information private unless the client reveals a threat towards themselves or others. This is a great benefit of seeking professional help since you can rest assured that your information will stay private. Choosing against seeking out professional help and taking the route of talking to a neighbor or a friend - may put you and your story in a vulnerable position of being shared with someone else. 

2. Unbiased Opinion – Finding an emotional connection is a vital part of being in a community. I have asked advice from my parents or friends countless times and noticed that the advice varies depending on the person giving it. This can lead to a place of further confusion. A professional therapist is trained to hear your out, to create a safe – nonjudgmental place for you, and provide you with an unbiased opinion or perspective. Your therapist’s agenda will have nothing but your well-being as the top priority of it.

3. Personalized Plan – Whether you are looking for tools to manage life’s challenges or coping skills to deal with anxiety or depression; a mental health therapist will design an evidence-based plan that is unique to you and your needs. Professional therapists dig deeper and take quality time to get to know you and your unique story. This process will guarantee effectiveness in your mental health journey and will lead you to an emotionally healthier you. 

In conclusion, don’t DIY your mental health this year. Seeking out a licensed therapist will give you the opportunity to lean on someone who will have your mental health as the top priority. Seeking out counseling through friends and family does not guarantee you three things that a therapist does - confidentiality, unbiased opinion, and a personalized plan. Browse our website and get to know our own experienced therapists. We are here for you!

Let us know how seeking help from a mental health therapist has benefited you, fire off in the comments. We look forward to hearing from you.  If you would like to find support or connect with a therapist connect with our team at www.compasscounseling.com.  If you would like to schedule an appointment today click here!

Download our Free E-Book 10 Questions to Ask Before Starting Counseling. Learn more at www.compasscounseling.com If you would like to schedule an appointment today visit our website or call/text 270-777-4490.

Here’s the truth, you are overwhelmed, stuck, and know something has got to change, but asking for help is hard. Most people think that their problems are not big enough for counseling and wait 8 years or more to reach out for help. At Compass Counseling we know that we all have mental health and you want to feel good about yourself and your relationships.  Over the past 8 years, we have crafted an excellent team of professionals that have served thousands of people in Western KY and we want to help you on your path to change.  Our Master's level therapists will support you and teach you skills to learn to manage the overwhelm and overcome your struggle. When you leave your first session, you will feel confident & ready to start on your change path. Connect with us today at www.compasscouseling.com or schedule an appointment.