Recognizing the Signs: When to Seek Counseling Services for Your Well-being

How to Know When It’s Time to Talk to a Therapist

We all have those days when things just feel off. Maybe it’s a bad week, or maybe there’s something specific weighing on you—but either way, it starts to feel like you’re stuck in a fog. And while we all go through rough patches, sometimes it’s hard to tell when it’s something more. So how do you know when it’s time to talk to someone, like a therapist or counselor?

First things first: needing help is completely okay. Seriously. Just like you would go to a doctor for a sprained ankle or a lingering cough, your mental and emotional health deserves the same care and attention. There’s no gold medal for pushing through pain alone.

That said, it’s not always obvious when to reach out. Sometimes the signs sneak up on you—feeling down all the time, snapping at people you love, or losing interest in things you used to enjoy. Maybe even getting out of bed feels like a challenge, or your favorite activities just don’t bring the same joy anymore. It’s easy to brush these feelings off or chalk them up to a phase, but when they stick around or start interfering with your life, it might be time to take a deeper look.

Keep Calm...Yeah, That Stopped Working

Now, we all have our coping tools—maybe you journal, go for walks, meditate, or talk things through with a friend. And those are great! But if those things start to feel less effective, or like they’re just not enough, that’s a signal that you might need more support. It’s not about being weak or dramatic—it’s about being human. Everyone has a limit, and there’s nothing wrong with getting a little backup when life gets heavy.

Mood: Confused but Self-Aware

Sometimes the signs are emotional, like frequent mood swings, feeling easily overwhelmed, or just not feeling like yourself. Other times, they’re behavioral—you might find yourself avoiding people, procrastinating more, having trouble focusing, or relying more on things like food, alcohol, or distractions just to get through the day. These shifts might not seem major at first, but over time, they can take a toll on your well-being.

And let’s be real: life is hard sometimes. Whether it’s work stress, relationship struggles, health concerns, or just the general pressure of trying to keep it all together, it’s no wonder things can feel unmanageable. If you’re constantly overwhelmed or struggling just to get through the basics, that’s not something you have to face alone. Therapy can help you slow down, make sense of what’s going on, and learn better ways to cope with whatever’s coming at you.

Cloud with Silver Lining - Wix

There’s still this weird stigma around therapy, like it’s only for people who are “really struggling” or have something “seriously wrong.” But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Therapy is for anyone who wants support, growth, clarity, or just a safe space to process life. Going to therapy doesn’t mean you’re broken—it means you’re taking care of yourself, and that’s something to be proud of.

If you’re wondering where to start, don’t stress. Look up therapists in your area or explore online options. Read bios, check out specialties, and find someone who feels like a good fit. It’s totally okay to “shop around” a bit—therapy is personal, and finding the right match matters. You can also talk to someone you trust—a friend, family member, or even your doctor—about what you’re going through. Sometimes just saying it out loud is the first big step.

At the end of the day, you’re not alone. Everyone struggles, even if they don’t show it. And reaching out for help is one of the most powerful, courageous things you can do. Your mental health matters. Your well-being matters. And if something’s been feeling off for a while, maybe this is your sign to reach out and take that first step. You deserve to feel better—and there’s support out there to help you get there.

Alissa Evans, MS, Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC) under the supervision of Keith A. Cates, Ph.D., LPC-S

© 2025 Alissa Evans. All rights reserved.