In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to overlook our mental health. Stress, anxiety, and emotional struggles are often dismissed as “just part of life.” However, one of our resident Restoration & Wellness therapists, Kelly Stangl-Meddaugh, MSW, LCSW, believes that everyone can use some support in navigating the complexities of our modern lives. There are times when professional support through therapy can make a significant difference in our well-being. But how do you know when it’s time to seek therapy? Here are some signs that therapy might be beneficial for you.
1. You Feel Overwhelmed by Daily Life
Being overwhelmed can present itself in many ways. This can be the crazy juggling of routine responsibilities which leaves you scattered and worried about making it all happen. Nicholas Wall, LPC, one of our therapists at Restoration & Wellness shares that “being overwhelmed can also appear as ‘paralysis by analysis.’ This type of response can happen after examining so many responsibilities and then responding with inaction, procrastination, or unplugging entirely to remove yourself from the stressors.”
If you find yourself constantly feeling stressed or overwhelmed by everyday responsibilities, it might be a sign that you could benefit from therapy. When routine tasks begin to feel unmanageable, talking to one of our mental health professionals can help you develop coping strategies and regain a sense of control.
2. Persistent Feelings of Sadness or Anxiety
Nicholas Wall, LPC, also encourages clients to reflect on their emotions. “It is normal to feel a heightened or lowered mood in response to the things life throws your way. How do you know if your feelings are beyond a healthy level? This depends on your usual ranges and makes checking in with yourself all the more important. Ideally, we are familiar with our highs and lows which can inform our judgement when we’ve gone beyond our normal limit. How intensely are you feeling these emotions? How long have they lasted? Are these emotional states affecting your ability to face daily challenges? Talking with a professional can help us reflect and better understand our normal limits of sadness and anxiety.”
Occasional sadness or worry is normal, but if you experience prolonged periods of sadness, anxiety, or emotional numbness, therapy can help. Our mental health professionals at Restoration and Wellness can guide you in understanding and managing these feelings, offering support and practical tools to improve your emotional well-being.
3. Difficulty Managing Relationships
Struggling with relationships—whether romantic, familial, or social—can be a sign that therapy might be helpful. According to Nicholas Wall, LPC, “Some relationships leave us feeling recharged, understood, and valued. Some do not. Taking stock of where our relationships stand is an important measure to identify the more challenging ones. Boundaries and self-advocacy are common issues in relationships that can be processed and understood through treatment. Our relationships can bring great joy and meaning to our lives if they are managed intentionally. Not every difficult person needs to be removed from your life, but there are steps that can be taken to protect your peace and sense of self.”
If you find it challenging to communicate, resolve conflicts, or maintain meaningful connections, our therapists at Restoration & Wellness can help you explore patterns and develop healthier relationship dynamics.
4. Changes in Sleep or Appetite
Significant changes in your sleep patterns or appetite can indicate emotional distress. Whether you are sleeping too much, struggling with insomnia, or noticing drastic changes in your eating habits, these shifts can be a sign that your mental health needs attention.
Restoration & Wellness therapist, Nicholas Wall, LPC, shares that this also requires some self-reflection and monitoring to understand your daily habits. He says, “Oftentimes mental health issues present themselves in these basic foundations of daily living. If you notice significant changes, then it may be time to ask why.”
5. Loss of Interest in Activities You Once Enjoyed
We all deserve to live the lives that spark joy and meaning. Losing the zeal or motivation to enjoy your typically enjoyed activities can be a temporary response to stress. The key is understanding once it has gone too far.
When the things that once brought you joy no longer feel fulfilling, it might be time to check in with your mental health. Loss of interest in hobbies, social activities, or work could be a sign of depression or other underlying emotional struggles that therapy can help address.
6. Difficulty Coping with Major Life Changes
Life transitions, such as a breakup, loss of a loved one, career change, or moving to a new place, can be emotionally challenging. Therapy provides a supportive space to process these changes, manage grief, and adapt to new circumstances.
7. You Feel Stuck or Hopeless
Feeling stagnant in our lives and routines can bring a sense of hopelessness. It is important to remember it is never too late to change or try new things. Finding hope and making meaning in our lives is sometimes a lifelong effort. Openness to new ideas and the courage to break patterns is a process that you do not have to do alone.
If you feel like you are stuck in a rut or struggling to see a path forward, therapy can provide clarity and hope. A therapist can help you identify goals, uncover obstacles, and develop practical steps to move toward a more fulfilling life.
8. Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
Kelly Stangl-Meddaugh, MSW, LCSW has found through her experience with clients that things that started as protective coping habits have the potential to become dysfunctional as we mature or if our life circumstances change. Turning to substances, food, or other harmful behaviors to numb difficult emotions can signal the need for professional support. Therapy can help you develop healthier alternatives to cope with stress and emotional pain.
9. You Want Personal Growth
Therapy isn’t just for times of crisis. Many people seek therapy for personal growth, self-discovery, and improved emotional intelligence. In Restoration & Wellness therapist, Nicholas Wall’s point of view, “We deserve to evolve and to continue advancing in our personal and professional lives. Personal growth can be a lifetime endeavor that pushes you out of your comfort zone and expands your horizons if you are willing to try.” If you want to better understand yourself and enhance your quality of life, therapy can be a valuable tool.
Taking the First Step
Recognizing that you may need therapy is a courageous first step toward prioritizing your mental health. Seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness; it’s an investment in your well-being and future.
If any of these signs resonate with you, consider reaching out to our team of licensed therapists. You deserve support, and therapy can provide the tools and guidance you need to thrive.
Your mental health matters, and we are here to help.
Contributing Therapists:
Nicholas Wall, LPC
Areas of Expertise include:
Men’s issues, Adults and Adolescents – trauma, anxiety, depression, executive function disorders and grief
“Through openness, humor, and warmth, I aim to foster a supportive, trusting, and safe environment for clients to explore solutions.”
Kelly Stangl-Meddaugh, MSW, LCSW
Areas of Expertise include:
Complex diagnoses, behavioral and attention difficulties, mood disorders, anxiety, addiction, grief, parental concerns, children and adolescent issues
“Creating a strong therapeutic alliance based on trust and rapport is essential for fostering meaningful change and is my primary goal with everyone I work with.”
