"The tougher the setback, the better the comeback."
Do these wise words by Bernard Osei Annang sound like something you need to hear right now? Success without setbacks is impossible. When you first stepped out into the world, you may have been warned about various challenges.
One common roadblock many men face is anxiety around starting therapy. The time has come to overcome this setback and embark on a journey towards better mental health. Read on to learn how you can master the anxiety around starting therapy.
1. Take Stock of Your Feelings
Therapy anxiety doesn't appear out of thin air. Life has a sense of humor and likes to kick us down when we are already struggling, but chances are if you take stock of your feelings leading up to this point, you will see the warning signs. Hindsight is 20/20, but with a little bit of work, you can make sure the mistakes of the past do not influence your future mental health.
Common reasons men feel anxiety around starting therapy include societal expectations, fear of vulnerability, and concerns about stigma. Men are often taught to be stoic and self-reliant, which can make seeking help seem like a sign of weakness. By acknowledging these pressures, you can start to dismantle them and see therapy as a positive step.
2. Damage Control
Is the anxiety around starting therapy having a broader effect on your life and relationships? Don't panic. No, seriously, this is not the time to stick your head in the sand and avoid the issue. You can control the situation and come out stronger.
Top Tip: Take it from someone who has overcome similar challenges. Many men have found that leading with honesty about their struggles and seeking professional help has improved their relationships and overall well-being. What do you have to lose?
3. Accept Support
I know you like to handle everything on your own, but this can cause more negative impact in the long run. Instead, if you accept support, you can find the strength and resources to overcome therapy anxiety.
For example, consider a time in your life where accepting help made a significant difference. Maybe it was a project at work or a personal challenge where collaboration led to success. Therapy is similar; it's about partnering with someone who has the expertise to guide you through your struggles.
4. Future Planning
Now that you know how to avoid the setback of therapy anxiety, it is time to leave it behind you and create the life you want like the resilient individual you are! Remember: Anxiety around therapy is common, and you are not alone just because it has happened to you. All you can control is how you deal with the future.
Plan for regular sessions, set goals for what you want to achieve in therapy, and be open to the process. This setback is just a stepping stone towards better mental health and a more fulfilling life.
5. Act, Don't React
Did your old mentor or father tell you that one, too? Don't roll your eyes at me! You know we're both right. Action is the mother of all progress. If you haven't been taught about the importance of taking proactive steps, let me tell you a little more about it.
Reaction puts you back in the headspace of dwelling on the anxiety. Instead, take action by scheduling that first therapy session, doing some research on potential therapists, or talking to someone who has benefited from therapy.
How Can First Step Men's Therapy Help You Overcome Therapy Anxiety?
Are you still flailing a little or want just a bit more help to get you back on your feet after facing therapy anxiety? No problem! You did see the "Overcoming Therapy Anxiety" guide above, right? We worked super hard on this resource and want to make sure you get the most out of it.
At First Step Men's Therapy, we get a lot of men in Ontario that have reached out for the very first time! We pride ourselves on offering comprehensive mental health support tailored to your needs. That means you don't have to navigate the journey alone. That's what we're here for.
Click here to learn more about our personalized therapy services. We can't wait to work with you and help you achieve your mental health goals. Starting therapy can be a daunting step, but by taking stock of your feelings, accepting support, planning for the future, and taking proactive action, you can overcome the anxiety and embark on a journey towards better mental health.
Remember, you're not alone in this, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
First Step Men's Therapy works with men across Ontario on a wide range of mental health issues. Anxiety around starting therapy is very common, and the team at First Step Men's Therapy is trained and able to help create a safe, warm, and supportive space. Reach out today for a free 20-minute consultation.