Illustration by Anayah Darrett
Many people don’t prioritize regular doctor visits, often waiting until something feels wrong to seek care. This delay can be common when it comes to mental health as well. Therapy is often seen as something to turn to only in moments of crisis rather than a form of regular, preventative care.
Going to therapy should be seen as normal. Taking care of mental health can be just as important as maintaining physical health. Receiving help early can prevent bigger problems down the line, and reducing negative stigmas about therapy can make many people feel better in society.
Mental and physical health are strongly connected, with each one influencing the other. Negative mental health can lead to long-lasting physical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Similar to how individuals visit a doctor for routine health assessments, attending therapy can help maintain emotional and mental health.
Ongoing therapy sessions help individuals handle stress, manage their emotions and tackle problems before they escalate into a larger issue. Acknowledging therapy as a standard practice emphasizes that the brain requires constant attention and nurturing, like any other system in one’s life.
Some individuals may view therapy as necessary only for severe mental health issues and consider it unimportant or merely a luxury for others. In 2020, only 20.3% of adults in the United States recently received mental health treatment, according to the CDC.
Even though more people are starting to accept therapy, many still steer clear of it because they worry about being judged, feeling ashamed or appearing weak. Because of these obstacles, people often can’t get the care they need, even when they should.
This outlook ignores the vital role prevention plays in managing health concerns. Delaying action on mental health as it deteriorates is like overlooking symptoms of physical illness until a hospital visit becomes necessary. It’s important to realize that therapy serves as more than crisis management.
To address these challenges, changes should be implemented in both healthcare systems and individual mindsets. This can be achieved by increasing education on mental health and promoting open discussion about therapy. These adjustments would provide individuals with quicker access to support, preventing issues from growing.
On an individual level, a willingness to talk openly about therapy can help people feel less ashamed and normalize asking for help.
Raising awareness of the resources available to students and young adults is vital. Many universities offer free or low-cost counseling services, such as UTA’s Counseling and Psychological Services. The office offers one-on-one counseling, consultations, group counseling and CAPS Psychiatry, which provides psychiatric evaluations and treatments.
There are also affordable resources near campus, such as the Open Arms Health Clinic, which provides free services, and Wright Wellness, which charges around $70 per session.
On a more personal basis, people can have conversations about mental health and consider therapy as a proactive measure instead of a last resort, fostering a society where mental health is regarded as a crucial aspect of overall wellness.