[Serious] Are you in therapy?

[Spongebob]

Therapy can be enormously helpful. I went into it because I was in a place where I was on the verge of complete emotional collapse. I had no clue what to expect and I wasn't hopeful going in. It was uncomfortable and awkward, and I hated all of it. I finally managed to "graduate" not fully understanding how much it had helped me, but then I took some steps back from it and gave it a good think, and realized what I had come away with was extremely valuable to my own sanity. She taught me mindfulness and she also made me understand that it wasn't me who was the issue, it was my work culture.

It's not for everyone, and it can be hard, especially finding a therapist who fits you. I went to one during an earlier (more serious) crisis, and she called me a "wimp" because I told her I was afraid of my husband. So yeah, they're not all helpful, but I think therapy saved my career as I was days away from having to resign because of the toxic, unbelievably stressful, sexist culture. 

More recently I have been seeing one because of a very traumatic event that happened over the summer. Turns out I didn't need her, I don't think. I just wanted to be sure. With our Zoom culture, finding one is much easier, and I strongly recommend just trying even if you aren't sure you want to see one. You have nothing to lose but your copay.

Wow, that's a great summary.  I feel much the same.  At the time I needed help, what I was feeling was so unfamiliar and unexpected that I had no idea what was going on.  My body and my mind were both reacting in ways I couldn't process.  My therapist helped me understand what was happening and why and once that became clear I found a way out of it, though the scars are still there.  It changed my life and I took up some very useful practices because of it.  So, I too, am quick to suggest others try it.  Unlike medical treatment, there are no real side effects that I know of unless you take medication.  I did take medication although I'm not sure how much it helped.  And you can always stop going if it's not much use.  The only obstacle I've seen is the cost (which can be steep) and the way society views therapy, which is better but still something that needs to improve.