Borrowing from a Big Brand

In the world of sports and athletic apparel, there is one company’s slogan that has become a part of popular culture; Nike’s Just Do It!™  Those three words capture the heart of the athlete and even the weekend warrior.  It is a statement of empowerment, already committed to the belief that we can just do it.  So how and why does this slogan resonate with me?  Allow me to explain.

Often, we spend a lot of time in our heads thinking about all the reasons why we can’t do something.  Oh, and we’re really good at it, especially if we’re depressed, anxious, and unbalanced emotionally.  “It’s just too hard for me.  Mom won’t speak to me if I do that.  My girlfriend tried it and it didn’t work for her, so why should I.  People will think I’m weird.  I don’t have enough experience.  Why bother, nothing ever good happens to me.”  This type of negative self-talk and thinking often leads to doing nothing, feeling stuck and demotivated, and becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy.  “I told you I can’t do it!!!”

Round and round we go, in our heads, thinking up a million reasons why we can’t do something, whether big or small.  In our conversations too, we come up with excuses why something won’t work or can’t work, especially if the “advice” is coming from a parent, spouse, boss, or well-meaning friend.  What can we do to get out of our own way?  STOP THINKING!

Yes, you heard me; stop thinking!  Sometimes, we need to just do it!  These are the times when being up in your head prevents you from moving forward, getting things accomplished, and feeling better about yourself through productivity, socialization, or achievement.  Here’s a final illustration of this point: your room is a mess, dirty clothes everywhere, things disorganized, and it feels oppressive just to be in there, and your mom has been on your case to clean it up.  The thought of starting to clean, organize, or pick up your dirty socks begins to feel overwhelming.  You get up in your head and the obstacles you create paralyze you from action.  This is the time to employ your Nike strategy…Just Do It!™  So when the first thought of "I need to clean my room" comes to mind, don’t think, just do it.  Warning: this does not apply to anything risky.  So put this in your toolbox and let me know if it works for you.

Warren

How Do You Know?

When taking the big step towards getting help; going to a therapist, there are a lot of emotions and questions that will be present.  How do you know that you're doing the right thing?  Let's take a look at some of them that are normal for most people.

Q. Why do I need therapy? Isn't that just for people who are seriously mentally ill?

A. Typically, if you find your mental health symptoms, whether they be anger, depression, anxiety, addiction, etc., are causing you significant problems in your life, your relationships, your work, or even in your leisure activities, then therapy may be the most helpful thing you can do for yourself.  Also, if someone you love is telling you that you need help, maybe you do.

Q. I feel stuck, so what can I do?

A. Coming to therapy can do wonders to get you unstuck and help you gain mastery of your fears, habits, and emotional instability.

Q. Do I really want to talk about my problems with a stranger?

A. Often, having a neutral third party to explore personal, and sometimes painful, issues with can be most helpful.  Some of the charged emotions that we feel when we are in the presence of family and friends, are minimized by the presence of an empathetic person that has only your best interests in mind.

Q. I met the therapist and really do not feel comfortable.  What should I do?

A. Not everyone is a good fit for each other.  Just make sure that you're not getting cold feet, and, if not, then go and interview another therapist.  Please remember that you are the consumer.

Q. I haven't been to my medical doctor in years, should I do that first?

A. You always want to rule out medical reasons for psychological problems by getting a yearly physical.  Therapy or not, please see your doctor yearly.

Q. What will everyone think about me going to therapy?

A. Your mental health is no less important than your physical health, so why think of it differently.  Yes, in some areas, and with some people, stigma does exist for mental health treatment.  Since mental health problems impact a huge percentage of the population, most people see getting help as courageous and healthy.  One caveat though, mental health is not visible like a broken leg, so people may not understand if you're experiencing serious mental health symptoms.  Assertive communication helps others understand the challenges you face.

Q. What about medication?

A. If the therapist is not a psychiatrist (which I am not), then you would be referred to psychiatrist for an assessment for medication.  Medication is proven to work best in conjunction with verbal therapy.  Medication is indicated for some people and not for others.  It may be prescribed for a short duration, or longer if indicated.

Of course, this doesn't answer all of the possible questions or thoughts you may have, so feel free to email me with the ones on your mind.  Therapy can be the key to unlocking your potential, which may have been stunted by trauma, neglect, abuse, illness, or grief.  One final benefit of therapy is a shared intimate experience with another person, something that often brings meaning to our lives.