Neutral colors, tables oriented toward the front. Chairs ready to receive participants. We have all been in training conference rooms. I was in one recently, sharing a conversation with someone I knew fairly well. A hard topic bubbled up , and I instinctively wanted to share something my therapist said to me.

Then it hit me. Hesitation.

Do I share that I’m in therapy? Does it feel safe to bring that up? Will this person think differently of me?

What if going to therapy was no more stigmatized than going to the doctor? “I’ve been having a hard time walking with this pain in my hip, doctor, and I would like your help with it…?” There is almost no stigma attached with going to the doctor’s office for a physical issue. We wouldn’t think anything of it.

What if going to therapy was the same?
“I’ve been having a hard time with this anxiety in my life, doctor, and I wanted to ask your help with it…?” Somehow, our thinking shifts with this sentence. Our judgment enters in. What if I said this to you? With an inner dialogue, one might be thinking, “Wow, Meredith, what’s going on with you that’s so bad that you need therapy??” “You must be one of ‘those’ people…” “Meredith, just go have coffee with a friend, do some ‘self-care’ and you’ll get better!” Or my favorite: “Meredith, maybe you just need more faith.” (Eye-roll.)

The truth about therapy is this:

1.  It’s for anyone who has ever walked this dark and messy planet. Life is so hard sometimes, and the right therapist (take your time with finding a good fit for you) at the right time can walk with us from functional to flourishing. Also important: allow other supportive resources into your life, your social media spaces, your daily journey - resources like James Trail, and many others.

2. The mental health crisis of this generation is real. It’s time to speak up for what we need, and step into therapeutic care as we need it.  It’s time to encourage our friends and family members and applaud them for setting aside time, energy, and money for therapy. It’s time to walk alongside them in their journey - in whatever ways are encouraging for them, and healthy for both of you.

3. Telling someone they “just need more faith” is not encouraging - it’s condemning. It says, “well, if you were just a better person, then you wouldn’t have these problems.”  What we can say instead is, “ It sounds like you’re facing some challenges. How can I pray for you? How can I encourage you?” (And let’s not ask for details the other person isn’t ready to share.)

If you are struggling to thrive in your daily living, therapy might be for you. If you are struggling to function in your daily life, you’ve probably needed therapy/counseling for a while.

• Step in. Do some research for funding sources, or check to see if your insurance covers therapy. 

• Step in. There is a therapist accessible to you - in-person is preferable, but online can be a great option, as well.

• Step in. Walk alongside your friend or coworker who is in therapy in ways that feel safe and healthy for both of you. 

Step in. Let’s walk the Trail together.

If you are struggling with thoughts of hurting yourself, dial 911.