
Giving Voice to Depression
A podcast dedicated to reducing the isolation and stigma of depression, one story at a time. Listen to our latest episode or explore our archive of 400+ episodes.
Giving Voice to Depression
Ep. 365 Proactive Mental Health: Why Therapy Isn't Just for Crisis (rerun)
This podcast episode pulls back the curtain on what it's really like to see a therapist, and trust us, it's not all about lying on a couch talking about your parents!
Dr. Anita Sanz, a seasoned therapist, tackles the big question: when should you seek mental health support?
She makes a compelling case for treating our mental well-being with the same care we give our physical health, or even our cars. If your car breaks down, you get it fixed, right? So why do we feel the need to "just handle" mental health struggles like low energy, changes in sleep, or even suicidal thoughts on our own?
Dr. Sanz stresses that you don't have to wait until things are really bad. In fact, being proactive can make therapy much more effective and lead to faster improvement. Think of it like taking your car in for a check-up before a long road trip – it's about preventing a breakdown.
Dr. Sanz also offers practical tips on finding the right therapist, emphasizing that it's okay to "shop around" and that chemistry matters. You wouldn't settle for a pizza with toppings you hate, so why settle for a therapist who isn't a good fit?
The episode even addresses the common fear of sharing suicidal thoughts, assuring listeners that a therapist's primary goal is to help you navigate through a crisis and keep you safe.
Ultimately, therapy isn't a passive process where someone "fixes" you; it's a collaborative effort where you actively work with your therapist to learn new skills and rewire your thought patterns, thanks to your brain's amazing neuronal plasticity.
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