the other day, i sat in my room with a friend who was completely and utterly distraught. it was his first time letting his guard down and opening up to someone. while this wasn’t the first time someone was vulnerable with me, it was different than the other times because our histories are so unalike. i listened and empathized (which i hope helped), but i didn’t know what advice to give him because i didn’t fully understand his struggle. he said he felt helpless & admitted that he thought he was out of options.
the only thing i could think to suggest was to see a counselor, someone who would know how to help. those words, though, were so difficult for me to force out of my mouth because not many people want to admit that they have problems that they can’t solve on their own. no one wants to look weak. & i was afraid that suggesting this would offend him or make him feel worse.
later, after talking things over with my roomie, i realized that everyone could use a counselor. most of us have issues that we find difficult to deal with on our own & could use someone who is qualified and unbiased to give us advice. i need a counselor. you need a counselor. everyone needs a counselor! (oprah voice)
my parents just started seeing a counselor, (keep in mind, my mom is a psychology professor) & i’ve only heard great things. i know i could have used one to help me with issues i’ve faced in the past (& some that i am still dealing with). until recently, however, i thought it was weird and would be embarrassing, & i know i’m not the only one who feels this way. but we need to stop the stigma associated with seeing a counselor. it shouldn’t be taboo or something to judge. mental health is just as important as physical health. we wouldn’t judge someone who saw a doctor for the flu. we should respect and applaud people for taking steps to get better, mentally, & not judge them for being “weak.”
