People see psychologists for all kinds of reasons – You might be feeling down and low, be feeling anxious a lot of the time or struggling through a stressful life event.

You may want to change some habits or thinking patterns.

You might not even know what’s going on, but just feel that you haven’t been ‘right’ or that your life has become more difficult.

You might be worried about someone in your life and how they are coping – maybe it’s your child who is having difficulties at school, making friends, or even being unwilling to separate from you and go to school. Your teenager may be stressed and withdrawn, addicted to technology, or struggling with bullying.

For many of us, talking to anyone about our worries, fears and thoughts can be a daunting experience. It seems strange to share the private things that are bubbling away under the surface and causing stress. It might feel like failing or admitting defeat to put your hand out and reach for help. As a result, some of us will choose to put it off, push those feelings aside and try to ignore the problem instead.

You might worry that talking about things and getting a professional’s view on an issue or problem will make it grow, get worse or become more intense. In reality, most people who come along to a first session and open up about their lives and experiences report feeling relieved, supported, and understood – sometimes for the first time.

So how do you decide when it might be time to seek professional help? Here are some ideas that might help guide you.

The way you feel is getting in the way of how you function

Something is getting in the way of how you function at work, at home, at school, or in your relationships. You may be feeling down a lot of the time, be pushing away family and friends or feeling unmotivated to do things.

Your emotions are heightened or extreme

Emotions feel extreme, take up lots of headspace and feel as though they are controlling your every move.

You feel stuck

Feeling stuck in a place, a relationship, a job, a situation, a cycle, that you don’t want to be in, and might not know how to change.

You can’t stop thinking about your situation/problem.

You might find that your problems are difficult to move through. It might be a trauma, death, breakdown of a relationship, workplace stress or the birth a new baby. Thoughts and emotions might feel stuck in a negative gear.

Feeling easily overwhelmed

Things you used to do well might become difficult to do and you feel overwhelmed. Studying for a test or exam, driving a car, sitting through a thunderstorm, socialising with friends, leaving the house or catching public transport might led to feeling overwhelmed.

You’re not enjoying things that you used to

Things you usually enjoy start feeling dull, draining or even difficult to do. Struggling to lift your mood and experience any pleasure in your activities.

Your health is being affected

Feeling stressed, depressed, and anxious takes its toll on your body. You may be feeling run down and de-energised or struggling with gut problems, headaches, chronic pain, muscle tension, and/or poor sleep.

Your relationships are suffering

Pushing away loved ones, isolating yourself and losing connections with others. You might find yourself often feeling angry, upset, and irritated in your interactions.

If you’ve noticed any of the above happening, perhaps it’s time to take the first step and give a psychologist a call. It might be just the time to work with a psychologist in a non-judgmental, safe space where you can learn new skills and strategies to improve your wellbeing.

If you’d like to make an appointment, need more information or have some questions, contact me at www.daniellasiciliano.com.au. I’d be happy to hear from you!