Confessions of a Millennial in Therapy
If you haven’t heard, millennials are doing a thing. Something that is foreign to the generations before us.
THERAPY.
I started my therapy journey two years ago when I felt like my life was falling apart. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, I had to put it on the back burner for some time. Now that everything is finally back in place, I reached out to my old therapist and am continuing my journey. Though I’ve only had a few sessions I’ve learned so many lessons. Keep reading to see what therapy has taught me!
It’s up to us to break the stigma
Mental health is a scary topic for most people. In the African American community, as well as the older generations, it’s a topic that is not discussed for fear of being labeled as “crazy”. It’s a close-minded mentality that has been passed down for years. I’ve noticed that our generation is the one that is going to break that cycle. We are committed to our healing, and frankly, we are unashamed about what we’re doing and why we’re doing it.
I’m not alone
Just within this past week, I had a few friends to tell me that they are starting their therapy journey very soon, adding to my community of friends that have already started their counseling sessions. We all have something that we can work on, grow through, or just get off of our chest, and sometimes it takes an outside person to help us through it. It’s a great feeling to know that those closest to me are able to walk with me through the trenches and vice versa. I enjoy coming back from my session and sharing what epiphany I discovered, new techniques I learned, or key points of wisdom that my therapist shared with me.
Doing more than praying about it doesn’t make me a “bad” Christian
“Take it to Jesus”. “Just pray about it”. “He has all of the answers”. I’ve heard these phrases and more growing up as it relates to therapy and the Christian community. Yes, these phrases are true, sometimes we just need a little help and that’s okay. I told my therapist that growing up in church, through the scripture and teaching we are instructed to renew our mind; however, we lack the practical teaching on how to do so. Through my experience, therapy has encouraged to grow closer in my relationship with God. It’s perfectly okay to love Jesus…and therapy too.
Every therapist isn’t for everybody
Before I found my previous therapist, I sought out a therapist through a free program through the school I attend and let me just say….that probably wasn’t the best decision. During my first session with her, she managed to diagnose me with depression, talk about herself throughout the session, and bring in therapy pets that I had no idea would be present beforehand, nor was I asked if I was comfortable with their presence (if you know me, you already know how I feel about animals). I booked my second session with her, but after much consideration, I decided to cancel it and find someone I would be more comfortable with, which happened to be who I started my journey with the first go-round. I realized that too much was at stake just to see just anybody, free or not. My therapist is worth every penny I spend. If you’re considering therapy, please do your research before settling on a therapist. I decided to go with a young African American Christian therapist because I felt that she would understand my experiences and give me a Biblical basis behind my healing. Every person and every therapist is different. Don’t be afraid to move around until you find what works for you.
I truly believe that everyone can benefit from therapy. It’s not as bad as you may think. Going to therapy is one of the best decisions I could ever make, and honestly, I think the same could be true for you. Please don’t let fear stop you. Your future self will thank you.
What are your thoughts on therapy? Let me know in the comments below!