Do I need therapy? No, You Just Need a Better Support System

You don't need therapy. Yes, you read that right. You don't need to pay a therapist to listen to your problems and give you advice. What you need is a better support system.

What does it mean to have a good support system?

Ask yourself this -.when was the last time you felt truly supported by the people around you? When was the last time you felt like you had someone to turn to when things got tough? For many of us, the answer to these questions is "never."

Take a second and think about how social media has effected you socially. Thanks to social media, you know all about the fancy vacation to Brazil that your high school crush just went on, you know that your college roommate that you lost touch with is a Youtuber now,, and that your former co-worker has gotten promoted - and is definitely getting paid more than you are now. You’re ‘connected’ with all of these people, you’ve spent hours looking at their updates, but are these the ones you call on when you’re feeling down?

We are social creatures, we need connections with other people in order to survive. That's where a support system comes in. A support system is a group of people who are there for you when you need them. They're the ones who listen to you when you're feeling down, who cheer you on when you're succeeding, and who offer a shoulder to cry on when you're going through a tough time.

OK, but if I have a good support system - do I still need therapy?

Well, therapy is often expensive and can be inaccessible for many individuals, whereas a support system can be developed and maintained with little or no cost. Plus there’s the fact that therapy is typically focused on the individual, whereas a support system offers a diverse range of perspectives and resources that can help you navigate difficult situations. Having a support system means having people who are there to provide practical advice, share experiences, and lend a listening ear, all of which can be crucial for improving mental health.

Lastly, a support system provides ongoing support and can help individuals build resilience, whereas therapy is often focused on short-term solutions. Therefore, having a good support system is not only more cost-effective and accessible, but it also offers a wide range of benefits that can have a long-lasting positive impact on an individual's mental health and overall well-being.

When you have a strong support system, you don't need therapy. Your friends and family can provide you with the love, encouragement, and guidance you need to navigate life's ups and downs. They can help you work through your problems and find solutions that work for you.

So, does anyone need therapy?

Building a support system isn't always easy. It takes time, effort, and vulnerability. You have to be willing to open up to others and let them see your true self. But the rewards are well worth it. When you have people in your life who truly care about you, everything feels a little bit easier.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "But what about people with serious mental health issues? Don't they need therapy?" The answer is yes, of course they do. Click here for a guide of mental health and therapy apps. Therapy can be incredibly helpful for people with mental health challenges. But even for those people, a strong support system can be a vital part of their recovery.

In conclusion, my message to you is this: don't underestimate the power of a good support system. If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, don't just assume that you need therapy. Take a look at your life and see if there are ways you can build stronger connections with the people around you. You might be surprised at how much of a difference it can make.