Signs it’s Time to Seek Professional Help
- by Lindsey Sheckles, LPC
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in Individuals

We have become a DYI (do it yourself) culture. In an effort to save more time and money, we often do our own home renovations, crafts, professional make-up application, etc.
My friends often say anything you want to learn how to do is simply a YouTube tutorial away. Self-help also falls along these lines. Most book stores have whole sections dedicated to self-help ranging from how to save your marriage to specific individual issues. There is much value in self-help and countless people have benefited from the information provided and subsequent personal understanding and growth. However, there are times when self-help is simply not enough and it is time to seek professional guidance. Below are some signs it’s time call in a professional.
You’ve exhausted other resources and have yet to see and improvement
Utilizing all of your coping strategies, or making changes and still not yielding the results you want it incredibly frustrating. A professional can help you evaluate and shift your efforts so you can begin to move in the right direction.
People close to you recommend that you go see someone
This is very telling if people close to you recommend you see someone. So many people chose to ignore this advice. If someone who’s knows and cares about you tells you to go see someone, GO.
You feel misunderstood or unheard
Feeling misunderstood or unheard can cause major distress. Seeking help about this issue is beneficial in two ways. The first, you’ll be heard and understood in session. Additional, you will acquire skills to communicate your needs more clearly with others.
Your feelings are complex and you have difficulty procession them on your own
A professional can help you to untangle some of your emotional knots, in an effort to achieve mental clarity and understanding/
Your presenting problems are causing more issues in your life
If one issue in your life continues to snowball, it’s definitely time to call in a professional. Containing and understanding your issues is imperative to preventing the issue to bleed over into other facets of your life.
You feel defeated of discouraged
All of the signs listed above can lead to feeling completely defeated and having a “what’s the point” attitude. Existing in this mental space can be very dark for some. Processing these feelings, with a professional, along with receiving positive and encouraging feedback is helpful.
You’ve experienced a major life change or trauma
If you experienced a major life change or trauma having a good support system is essential. Part of your support system should consist of a professional who can help you ease through major life transitions or overcome your trauma.
Remember your mental health and well-being are not a DYI project. If you thinks it’s time to get professional help please don’t hesitate to contact me at The Balanced Life LLC (256)258-7777 ext 105.