Today, I wanted to discuss the importance of sticking with therapy and how my mental health has been affected by inconsistent therapy. The reason why I want to discuss why consistent therapy is important is because it is something I struggle with significantly.
Growing up, it was due to a unstable income that resulted in my inconsistent therapy. I noticed that every time, I went back to therapy I had felt worst than the previous time. I was unfortunately deteriorating and there was nothing I could do about it, as a young pre-teen.
Thankfully, I am now an adult with a stable income. But I still struggle to continue with therapy, come to appointments, and not therapist- swap every few months. For me personally, there are several obstacles that get in my way. When I have bad months, I think what is the point? Why waste my money on something that “isn’t working”? Or I also struggle with my therapist relationship. I often get defensive and take things personally… resulting in me dropping therapists.
But the one thing, I’ve grown to realize is every single time I quit therapy– I get worse by the time I go back into therapy. And I have to start ALL over again. Skills take time and practice to be useful in high distress situations. So if you are rusty on skills, it renders useless in high distress situations. Which is why therapy is so important to be consistent with and to practice your skills.
What has helped me to stick with therapy is for one, being honest with my therapist. By telling her that I struggle with therapy — I am allowing her to hold me accountable. Also having open communication, so if she does upset me I feel comfortable letting her know so we can solve the issue together. And the biggest thing that helped is honestly just realizing how sick of being ‘sick’, I am. I don’t want to be a victim anymore, I want to find happiness.
Thank you for listening as always. And if you need anyone to talk to, I am always here. Suicide Hotline : 1-800-273-8255
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