Should you get therapy? How do we know if we need therapy or just some time off?
Generally, if you are having doubts, it is always better to be on the safe side and consult a therapist or mental health professional. The quiz below is not a diagnostic tool, but it can help you organize your thoughts and see things more clearly. Check all that apply:
I feel stuck in a place I don’t want to be in (bad relationships, low mood, career dissatisfaction).
I am unable to concentrate.
I am always tired and sleepy.
I feel on the edge.
I am unable to relax and rest.
I constantly ruminate about something.
I am unable to think.
I think I am too sensitive.
I am overly negative.
I am depressed.
I am unable to control my anger.
I experience frequent crying spells.
I feel irritable.
Substance abuse.
I have difficulty concentrating at work or school.
I feel sick but all medical tests come out fine.
I get anxious around other people.
I feel like something bad is about to happen.
I experience irrational fears.
I feel unreal (more details).
I feel miserable.
I have sucidal thoughts.
I am haunted by bad memories.
Lately, I’ve been harming myself.
I have abnormal eating patterns.
I experience extreme mood swings.
I am in a state of constant worry.
I feel hopeless.
I suffer from panic attacks.
My relationships/marriage are going downhill.
I feel anxious in general.
Checking even one of the above signs and symptoms warrants a visit to a mental health professional.
Here’s a list of international suicide crisis lines.
Mild cases may benefit from online CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) that includes follow-up by a professional CBT therapist, or it can be used as an additional tool when you are already receiving face-to-face therapy. Combination of face-to-face and online therapy is called blended therapy and may offer additional benefits. You can try online CBT here.
