As a woman who has lived through periods of depression and bouts of anxiety, I’ve experienced firsthand the internal battles that so many people face in silence. I was raised in a generation where the prevailing attitude was “suck it up, buttercup.” We were taught to push through pain, dismiss our emotions, and above all—never be dramatic. Asking for help was seen as weak, and struggling mentally was often chalked up to a lack of willpower.
Now, to be fair, there are moments in life where a little grit and determination are necessary. I won’t deny that. But somewhere along the way, society started confusing mental illness with personal failure. Even worse, as awareness of mental health issues has grown, so has a troubling trend—people sometimes using terms like “depression” and “anxiety” casually, almost as a badge or excuse. Unfortunately, this can cast doubt on those who are genuinely struggling and make it even harder for them to be taken seriously.
This issue hits incredibly close to home for me. One of my daughters was diagnosed with dissociative panic disorder during high school. At first, I truly believed I could “fix it.” I thought that if I talked to her enough, gave enough hugs, and tried hard enough, I could make it go away. I was wrong. It wasn’t something I could fix by loving her more or telling her to breathe through it.
Eventually, I came to a crucial realization: we needed help. Real help. And seeking out therapy was the best decision I could have made—not just for her, but for our entire family. Therapy opened a door to understanding and healing that we couldn’t have accessed on our own.
It taught me that asking for help doesn’t mean you’ve failed as a parent. It means you’re brave enough to admit you don’t have all the answers. It taught me how to really listen to my daughter—not just hear her, but understand her. It gave us tools we still use today to cope, to communicate, and to grow stronger as a family.
Let me say this loud and clear: Therapy is not a weakness.
Neither is taking medication if that’s part of your treatment plan. Mental wellness is part of your overall health, and treating it with care is an act of strength, not surrender.
So, what are the real benefits of therapy?
Here are just a few that I’ve personally experienced and seen in my loved ones:
1. A Safe, Judgment-Free Space
Therapy provides a secure environment to say what’s on your mind without fear of being judged, dismissed, or misunderstood. For many, it’s the first place they truly feel heard.
2. Emotional Clarity and Self-Awareness
Therapists help you unpack your emotions and recognize thought patterns. Sometimes just identifying why you feel a certain way is the first step to healing.
3. Guidance Through Life’s Challenges
Whether it’s a major life transition, trauma, grief, or chronic stress, therapy can offer guidance, strategies, and emotional support that’s grounded in expertise.
4. Building Resilience and Coping Skills
Instead of just surviving difficult times, therapy teaches you how to manage stress, confront fear, and respond to challenges in a healthier way.
5. Personal Growth and Better Relationships
As you begin to understand yourself more, you’ll often see improvement in your relationships.
6. A Path to Healing
Sometimes emotional wounds don’t heal on their own. Therapy can help you process past pain and move forward.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month If you’re reading this and something resonates—if you feel overwhelmed, lost, or like you’re carrying a weight you can’t explain—I want you to know you’re not alone. Help is out there, and it’s okay to reach for it.
There’s strength in seeking support. There’s courage in saying, “I’m not okay.” Therapy can be a life-changing tool—whether you’re in crisis, in transition, or just trying to live a more balanced, fulfilled life.
Your mental health matters.
You matter.
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