Signs you might need therapy and how to take the first step

Signs You Might Need Therapy And How to Take the First Step

Sometimes, life gets heavy, and you find yourself asking questions like:

• “Am I okay?”

• “Why am I always so angry?”

• “Will I ever feel like myself again?”

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

We often grow up believing that struggling in silence means strength. But the truth is you don’t have to go through life feeling emotionally overwhelmed, stuck, or alone. Therapy can be a safe space to explore those feelings, understand yourself better, and get the support you need to move forward.

How Do You Know It’s Time to Talk to Someone?

There’s no single “perfect reason” to go to therapy. In fact, people often seek support for things that don’t may not look “dramatic” on the outside but feel heavy on the inside.

Here are some common signs it might be time to speak to a therapist:

• “I just feel incredibly unhappy and I don’t know why.”

  Sometimes the heaviness is constant. You laugh with people, go to work, do life but deep inside, there’s a sadness that won’t go away.

• “I need clarity.”

  Whether it’s about your future, your emotions, or your relationships, therapy helps you slow down and make sense of your thoughts without judgment.

• “I feel like I’ve lost myself.”

  If you’ve been through major changes or disappointments, you might feel disconnected from who you are. Therapy can help you rediscover your voice and values.

• “I’m always angry.”

  You snap quickly, carry resentment, or feel like your emotions are too much to manage. Anger often masks deeper emotions like hurt, fear, or shame and speaking to someone can help you understand what’s really going on underneath.

• “I had a traumatic experience I haven’t healed from.”

  Whether it’s childhood trauma, a robbery, heartbreak, or anything else that left you anxious, afraid, or avoidant, therapy offers a safe place to process and begin healing.

• “I want to love myself and find meaning in my life.”

  Sometimes the issue isn’t external. It’s about the relationship you have with yourself. Therapy helps you build self-compassion, and sometimes that’s where the biggest transformations happen.

• “I don’t know if I’m ‘normal.”

  It’s okay to have questions about your emotions, thoughts, or behaviors. Therapy doesn’t label you; it helps you understand yourself better.

How to Take the First Step

If you're considering therapy but don't know how to start, you're not alone. Here's a guide to help you move forward confidently:

1. Acknowledge Your Need

   The first step is simply being honest with yourself. It takes courage to admit you’re struggling and that courage is already the beginning of healing.
   

2. Look for the Right Fit

   Therapy is not one-size-fits-all, it's personal. It is important to know that when seeking therapy, look out for a therapist who understands your unique background, personality, and mental health goals. Finding someone who ‘gets you’ can make all the difference

   You can even ask during your first session:

   • “How many sessions do you think I’ll need?”

   • “What kind of therapy do you practice?”

   • “How will I know if I’m making progress?”

3. Start Small

   Your first session doesn’t need to be deep or emotional. You can take your time. It’s okay to say, “I don’t know where to start, but I know I need help.”

   Therapy isn’t a one-time fix, it’s a journey. And you get to go at your own pace.
   

4. Trust the Process

   You might not feel a dramatic change after one session, and that’s normal. Therapy is more like exercise than surgery, progress builds with consistency.

Finally, wanting to talk, to feel sane again, or to just understand yourself better is not something to be ashamed of. It’s a sign that you’re paying attention to what your mind and body have been trying to say.

You don’t need to wait for a full breakdown before asking for help. Therapy can be the first step toward clarity, emotional balance, and peace of mind.

Whatever you're going through, you're not alone and you don’t have to carry it all by yourself.

Still unsure on how to start, book your free 15-minute consultation to start your therapy journey with us.

References:

• MyTherapist.ng. (n.d.). Surefire Signs You Need to See a Therapist. January 3, 2022, from https://www.mytherapist.ng/blog/surefire-signs-you-need-to-see-a-therapist

• Priory Group. (n.d.). Signs You Should See a Therapist. Retrieved June 9, 2025, from https://www.priorygroup.com/blog/signs-you-should-see-a-therapist