You might realize that psychotherapy can help you with life struggles, but it can still be difficult to seek help or to even recognize when it is time to talk to a professional.

Here are some signs that might help you know when to seek help:

• The issue is causing significant distress or disruption in your life. If you feel that the problem you are facing interrupts a number of important areas of your life including school, work, and relationships.
• You are relying on unhealthy or dangerous coping mechanisms. If you find yourself dealing with your problem by smoking, drinking, overeating, or taking out your frustrations on others, seeking assistance can help you find healthier and more beneficial coping strategies.
• Friends and family are concerned about your well-being. If it has reached a point where other people are worried about your emotional health, it may be time to seek help to improve your psychological wellbeing.
• Nothing you have tried so far has helped. You have read self-help books, explored some techniques you read about online, or even tried just ignoring the problem, yet things just seem to be staying the same or even getting worse.

You do not have to wait until your life becomes so overwhelming that you cannot cope to ask for help. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can get the help you need to live a healthier happier life.

If you need to benefit from psychotherapy, you may first have to discuss your concerns with your primary care physician. Your doctor might begin by ruling out any physical disease that could cause or contribute to your symptoms. If no specific physical cause is found, your doctor can refer you to a mental health professional who is qualified to diagnose and treat mental illness.

Your symptoms often play a role in the treatment and therapist you choose. For example, if the best treatment for you would require prescription medications and psychotherapy, seeing a psychiatrist may be beneficial.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medications and has specific training in the treatment of psychological and psychiatric conditions.

If you would most benefit from some form of talk therapy without the addition of prescription drugs, you might be referred to a clinical psychologist or counselor. Referrals from friends and family members can sometimes be a good route to connecting with a therapist who can help you.

Psychotherapy is both an art and a science. If your sessions do not feel helpful or you just do not seem to “click” with your current therapist, it is only fair for you to try a different therapist. However, be aware not to run away from confronting your struggle by changing therapists.

Know what you need in a therapist as you consider the following:

Psychotherapy comes in many forms, but all are designed to help people overcome challenges, develop coping strategies, and lead happier and healthier lives.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a psychological or psychiatric disorder, you might benefit from an evaluation by a trained and experienced psychotherapist who is qualified to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions.

You can reap the possible benefits of psychotherapy even if you just feel that there is something in your life that might be improved by consulting with a mental health professional.