After an unconventional year in a global pandemic, more people than ever are struggling with their mental health. From feeling depressed to becoming impulsive or gaining weight in quarantine, there are many reasons to see a therapist this year to turn things around. If you’ve developed bad habits, are feeling low, or no longer recognize yourself, it might be time to see a therapist or even consider turning to a psychiatrist for medication.
Impulsive Behaviors as a Side Effect to Depression
Depression and social isolation are causing many people to act impulsively and even develop impulse control disorders. Impulse control issues can range from compulsive gambling, excessive use of alcohol, overspending or shopping, dangerous sexual behaviors, drug use, and more.
Without help, impulse control behaviors can cause massive damage to people’s lives. From bankruptcy and lost relationships to sexually transmitted diseases and addictions, if you believe you’re suffering from an impulse control disorder, the best thing you can do for yourself is to get counseling or a treatment plan as soon as possible. A quick Google search for a term like ‘therapist near me for depression‘ will put you in touch with a trained psychologist or psychiatrist who can help you unravel some of the damaging behaviors that can come with depression. Don’t hesitate to try out a few therapists until you find the counselor who is the best fit for you, especially if it’s your first time going to counseling.
Weight Control and Management
Many of us have fallen into the trap of gaining weight while working from home and getting out less due to the pandemic. While it’s perfectly fine to spend free time bra shopping and looking for how to find a great-fitting bra when the older bras or sports bras are too small, major weight gain can be a symptom of depression and a reason to reach out for help now.
Science tells us that there’s a major systemic connection between the mind and our bodies. Your BMI and whether you suffer from obesity aren’t only genetic issues. Lifestyle, diet, other medical conditions, and your mental wellness all play a big part in whether you’re able to maintain a healthy weight long term. For some people, weight gain is specifically tied to the shutdowns and pandemics. While it might be easy to get back on track when restrictions are up, it’ll help you feel better mentally to be proactive about your mental health now by looking for a therapist with the right credentials.
The connection is obvious but often overlooked. Maybe you’re someone who normally enjoys physical activity. Maybe you once had healthy eating habits. But lately, you’ve gained weight in quarantine and haven’t been able to stay on top of weight-loss goals because you can’t get out of bed. The fact that your bra is now the wrong size, and the straps dig into your shoulders is just one sign. Your exercise plan is now all but nonexistent, and you’re struggling with motivation. The good news is that you can get help to get yourself back on track. By finding a good mental health counselor, you’ll be one step closer to a weight loss journey that will stick. Even better, you’ll feel less socially isolated by having a therapist to talk to on a regular basis.
Overall Sadness
You are not alone, even though it may feel that way. The truth is that the pandemic has caused more depression. Loss of a job, anxiety about the future, grief, an uncertain economy, current events, and living in stressful times have, in one way or another, impacted us all. While it’s perfectly normal to feel down, clinical depression is more serious. If you’re engaging in self-harm, have experienced suicidal ideation, or even just need someone to talk to, reach out to a therapist. Weight and impulse control issues are only the start of things a professional counselor can help with. At the end of the day, a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist can help you improve your overall mental and physical wellbeing. By being open to counseling and honest about how your habits and moods have changed since the pandemic, you’ll have your best chance of feeling like yourself again soon.
