Some people don’t want their partner or family to look at, or treat, them differently by knowing they are struggling with anxiety. Seeking counseling or therapy can be a private decision but most people would agree that there are more benefits to them knowing than risks.
Does Gender or Culture Play a Role in Willingness to Seek Help for Anxiety?
Some worry about judgment or ridicule for seeking counseling or help from a therapist for their anxiety. Men, relative to women, are more inclined to feel a sense of insecurity or question whether they are being weak for reaching out for help by a professional. In some social circles there is still some lingering social stigma about mental health issues. The campaigns over the last 25 years to destigmatize mental health has helped dramatically with this concern. Interestingly, some of the older generations still carry some misconceptions or misperceptions about mental health, where the younger generations are much more likely to seek help and think nothing about doing it, or even sharing that with others. Some cultural backgrounds also still hold some negative views about mental health issues or seeking help for them, which serves as an inhibitor for getting the help they may need.
What if I Don’t Think My Partner and Family Will be Supportive of My Counseling?
If there is a known family norm or belief system that counseling and therapy are for the weak, then you may have to be cautious about deciding whether to disclose that you are getting help from a therapist for your anxiety. We would all likely agree that your partner and family are the people you should be able to trust and feel safe to be vulnerable with, but that is not everyone’s reality. One of the things many therapists will teach their clients is that it is their job to protect themselves, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Sadly, some people have to learn the hard way through painful experiences of abuse, judgment, rejection, or condemnation that they have to distance themselves (physically, mentally, or emotionally) from those closest to them. If you have been burned numerous times for being vulnerable, then it may be wise to keep the decision to work with a counselor to yourself or only share it with those people who can be supportive.
What are the Benefits of Telling My Partner or Family I Am in Therapy for Anxiety?
Fortunately, the good majority of people have partners and family who are very understanding, accepting, and supportive of their choices; especially when that choice is to get help in dealing with a problem. Anxiety is very common and affects a great number of people. In fact, most people can relate to times when they have struggled with anxiety even if it was only situational and short lived. Bringing your partner and family into the fold is likely to reduce your own anxiety and garner warmth, caring and support. Everyone functions and performs better with support and cheerleaders. Your therapist can teach you a lot about conquering anxiety and one of the things they will teach you is that having supportive loved ones helps to accelerate the process.
If you are interested in interested in counseling or therapy to work on your anxiety, feel free to contact IPC so you can schedule an appointment with one of skilled professionals. Please call us now at 763-416-4167, or request an appointment on our website: WWW.IPC-MN.COM so we can sit down with you and complete a thorough assessment and help you develop a plan of action that will work for you. Life is too short to be unhappy. Find the peace of mind you deserve.
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