Mental Health Mondays: 002 How to find help

#mentalhealthmondays episode 2

Last week I talked about what brought me to seek help and start seeing a therapist. This week I’ll tell you how I did that.

After I experienced my anxiety attack, (which I forgot to mention happened at work but at a somewhat private office) I had a couple more attacks that made me realize I needed help, and quick. But where does one get help?

I remembered reading an employee assistance program benefit at work that provided me 5 free sessions with a mental health professional. I called the number and got an appointment with one near my apartment.

I did 2 session with that therapist and learned his style did not match my personality. He talked too much and there was a lot i needed off my chest and mind. 😜 So I called the EAP number again and found one that worked better. However, I needed more than 5 sessions.

A friend recommended one that he was seeing (who also took my insurance). I looked this therapist, Dr. Paul, up on psychologytoday.com to get a sense of his credentials and specialties. I gave him a call, set up a first session and went. I liked it and saw him again and again. I have now been seeing that therapist for the last couple of years. We have done a lot of work and I definitely see the difference in me.

Where can you find help? Check what your work benefits and insurance covers, ask friends, find one on psychologytoday.com (they have a good search function) and ask all the questions you might have!

This Monday, I just want to let you know that everyone has a mental health story. When looking for help, it is important to make sure you pick the right therapist. Just like your primary care doctor or personal trainer, sometimes you need to find one that understands you and matches your needs. It took me 3 tries!
There are a lot of resources to find help. Just ask!

Let’s share our stories. Tell me yours!

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