The subject of psychological support is still not widely accepted by the general public in France. Several preconceived ideas and taboos still exist today around seeking psychological help: Will people think I’m crazy? Does needing psychological support mean I’m weak? Am I going to bring up the past and rehash old memories for nothing? How can I find a competent psychologist?
We believe in the importance of connecting qualified, trained, available, and responsive psychologists with people seeking support. But why exactly should you call on a psychologist? Here are six good reasons for Consulting a psychologist!
1. Because you have experienced trauma
Whether in our personal or professional lives, we are all faced with situations that can shock us. Trauma does not always mean an extreme situation such as death or terrorism. Sometimes, it can be a disruptive event that has a significant impact on one person, but not necessarily on another.
Illness, a work accident, verbal aggression, or certain actions and experiences can be trivial for one person but bring up painful memories for another. Prompt psychological support following a traumatic experience can make a difference in the short, medium, and long term.
Remember: we are not all affected by difficult experiences in the same way, and we do not all develop the same coping mechanisms. This does not mean that we are weak. We all respond to difficult situations differently.
2. Because you suffer or think you suffer from a disorder…
And you can’t put your pain into words: alcoholism, anxiety, bipolar disorder, anorexia, depression, addiction… You feel that something is wrong, but you cannot put an exact name to what you are experiencing or determine what you can do to feel better or rebuild yourself.
Consulting a psychologist can be a starting point for understanding what you are going through and finding appropriate support.
3. Because you have difficulty managing your stress
Stress is a normal reaction and can be essential to our survival. On the other hand, it should not take over your life. Problems with insomnia, organization, mood swings, low mood, or suffering at work can quickly become overwhelming and have a harmful impact on our daily lives.
It is important to understand the reasons behind these reactions in order to better anticipate them and manage them. Consulting a psychologist can help you identify psychological or emotional factors that may be contributing to your stress and explore ways to cope with them.
4. Because you have unexplained physical symptoms
Stomach pain, headaches, dizziness, palpitations… You have physical symptoms that cannot be explained by a temporary infection, and your doctor has not found anything abnormal in your results. In some cases, psychological distress or stress can contribute to physical symptoms.
However, physical symptoms should not automatically be attributed to psychological causes. If they persist or remain unexplained, it is important to consult a doctor. When psychological factors may also be involved, a psychologist can help you explore the connection between your emotional well-being and physical symptoms.
5. To take stock of your personal or professional life… quite simply
Do you need someone to listen to you, but don’t have an impartial person to turn to? Talking to a psychologist can provide relief. You don’t need to be in a particularly difficult state to seek support.
A psychologist offers a non-judgmental space where you can talk about your concerns, reflect on an event, work through difficult emotions, or engage in deeper self-reflection. Consulting a psychologist can simply give you the opportunity to take a step back and better understand yourself.
6. To question your failures or the unhealthy relationships that you repeat
Do your personal failures seem to follow one another? Do you often find yourself in the same type of romantic or professional situation? Perhaps it is time to take stock and find a starting point for these recurring patterns that seem to have no outcome.
Finding yourself repeatedly in conflict situations or constantly making the same mistakes in relationships can be good reasons to consult a professional. A psychologist can help you explore these patterns and understand the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors behind them.
