I'M NOT CRAZY!: Overcoming Resistance to Therapy.

"I never thought I'd be here. I thought only people with SERIOUS issues need to see a therapist."

"Seeking help is like a confirmation that I'm going crazy".

By the time clients come into therapy, they would have been so overwhelmed and so immersed in their problems that it's become nearly impossible to get out of bed, let alone get out of the house. It always makes me wonder, if they had come in just a few weeks or months earlier, would it have come to this?

Here I'd like to address some of the factors that prevent people from seeking help:

1. "I'm not crazy...am I?"

Despite the growing awareness on mental health-related issues, there is still a very strong stigma among Malaysians about seeing a psychologist. In addition, our society at large is still not familiar with signs / symptoms of mental illness and when they should seek help.

As a therapist, I adhere to the Cambridge Dictionary definition of "therapy" which is: a treatment that helps someone to feel better, and grow stronger (especially after an illness). By this definition, anyone who is having difficulty 'feeling better' or find themselves at a stuck point in life, can and should come for therapy.

2. "I can cope"

by binging on Netflix (and chips),

distracting myself,

hanging out with friends...

and yet when I come home, I can't sleep. I wake up with headaches, backaches. I readily curse at the inconsiderate driver in front of me, and I frequently argue with my partner because he/she says I never pay attention / raised my voice again / forgot about our movie date for the second time this month. How much has ignoring our problems cost us?

Indeed, it can be very painful and uncomfortable to acknowledge that something is wrong or that we're not able to 'handle it', but think about how much more pain and discomfort we'd be saving ourselves from if only we can be open and honest with ourselves.

3. "I can't afford it. I don't have time."

Fortunately, initiatives have been taken to improve access to mental healthcare in Malaysia. Individuals are now able to undergo therapy and consultation online with psychologists and psychiatrist. YAY TECHNOLOGY. Explore the options below:

i) Relate Malaysia

ii) Teleme

iii) Of course, if you would like to schedule an online session with me, please email me at: sarah.clinpsy@gmail.com

Is there something else preventing you from seeking help? Let me know how I can help you address these issues! Let's make it a point to start taking care of our mental health today.

#resistance #therapy