How do I know if psychotherapy can help me?

Mental health issues are very common and nothing to feel ashamed of. Statistics suggest that 1 in 4 people will have a mental health issue and seek help for it during their lifetime. Having this kind of problem is not a sign of weakness. Most mental health issues can be treated with help from an experienced Psychotherapist. Depression and anxiety related issues are the most common forms of mental health problem along with addiction. Below are some of the common causes of psychological distress, although sometimes the causes are not quite so obvious.

• Trauma (recent or in childhood)

• Loss/grief

• Pressure at work, home or college

• Relationship issues

• Bullying domestic violence

• Insecurity and uncertainty

• Change

• Financial problems

• Substance misuse

• Physical illness

If you have a sense that things are not as they should be, take a look at the questionaire.

Have you noticed that you focus more on the negative recently?

Have you been worrying more?

Have you experienced flashbacks or nightmares?

Have you felt that “there must be something wrong with me” or that “I’m going crazy?”

Have you felt powerless or hopeless?

Have you had more trouble than usual making decisions?

Have you found focus and concentration more difficult than normal?

Are you more irritable than usual?

Do you feel more fearful than normal?

Do you feel unpleasantly heavy or lethargic?

Do you feel demoralized?

Do you feel exhausted?

Do you feel agitated?

Do you haver unexplained aches and pains?

Have you experienced muscle tension?

Are you sweating more?

Have you experienced heart palpitations/ increased pulse?

Have you experienced a change in appetite or digestive difficulties/irritable bowel?

How is your sleep? Are you finding it difficult to drop off or waking earlier than usual?

Have you experienced libido problems?

Are you snappier than usual?

Are you more hypervigilant than normal?

Have you been avoiding things that you would usually enjoy?

This is not an exhaustive set of questions but if you’ve found your answers in any way troubling, you may have a mental health issue that needs attention. This does not mean that you are weak or less competent than other people. Think of it more as your subconscious mind telling you that it needs help to make some changes.