Do I really need a psychologist?

I know this question might be haunting you, especially if you've recently decided that you are going to seek professional health for your mental well-being, or if you're switching psychologists, isn't it? You're not alone! Most clients who seek therapy/counseling are apprehensive initially. This could be due to the lack of branding and marketing done by us mental health professionals, the stigma (fast fading, thank god!) around mental health and of course the anxiety of opening up to a stranger about your innermost thoughts and feelings.

Here's an easy way to check if you really need a psychologist. Be honest with yourself and mentally tick those that are applicable to you from the list below:

Do you feel__________?

• Overwhelmed

• Confused

• Under-confident

• Not in control of your emotions

• Unsure about life

• Depressed

• Angry quite often

• Stressed

• Anxious

• Maintaining your relationship is a struggle

• Your children are just too much for you to handle

• Your marriage is fading away into nothing but a tag

• Pressure at work

If you are feeling any of these things, then yes - you need a psychologist!

Let me assure you that a psychologist is a trained/certified mental health professional who is there to understand the concerns you're having in your life and helping you deal with them so that you feel better. It is not rocket science, sure; however, it is science!

So choose your psychologist with care and only start counseling/therapy with someone who you can connect with and who seems to "get you". And the best part of taking this big step - you can opt out/choose another psychologist if you're not comfortable!