We could all use someone to talk to right now.
Or any other number of huge life changes.
If youfeel like you need helpnow, youre not alone.
E S Kibele Yarman
Those who have a history of preexisting mental health issues are especially struggling right now.
But being in need of support often makes it even more difficult to figure out exactly what you need.
A potentially more approachable first step: Schedule an appointment with a primary care provider, Dr. Crawford suggests.
Many providers practice multiple types of therapy too, or regularly do a mix.
And for more information on getting started with therapy, check outSELFs Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health.
Psychodynamic therapy
Like the idea of self-analysis for big-picture insights about your life?
Psychodynamic therapy (P.T.)
aims to offer a safe space to dig deep.
The inability to feel satisfaction from within could be something you discover youre still carrying with you.
Multiple studiesshow psychodynamic therapy can effectively relieve symptoms of multiple mental health conditions.
Among other issues, P.T.
What to expect:Weekly sessions lasting around an hour for a (potentially) long-term therapeutic relationship.
One way to get started:Use Psychology Todayssearch toolto find a psychodynamic therapy provider in your area.
With CBT, you learn how to identify unhelpful thoughts and rewrite them to be more realistic and constructive.
In turn, you might set new goals and change your behavior.
Depression, for instance, often lies with thoughts like, Nothing will help me feel better.
Absorb these false beliefs, and you could begin to avoid the people and hobbies you love.
But seeing them could helpeven if its only a little.
Sometimes theres a little fake it till you make it, says Dr. Hsia.
If youre feeling stuck, CBT can provide the guide and game plan you should probably move forward.
What to expect:Weekly sessions for around an hour for about 10 to 25 weeks.
Generally, CBT is time-limited, but the length of treatment can vary.
In the moment, this small mindset shift can make a big difference.
DBT uses a three-pronged approach to help you build mental strength and gain better control over your behavior.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, many DBT groups have continued to meet with virtual arrangements.
Interpersonal therapy (I.T.)
can help you dissect the relationship between how you feel and your social interactions.
Learning how your symptoms affect your social life can help you reconnect and feel better.
Among other issues, I.T.
What to expect:Sessions lasting around an hour, once a week for about 12 to 16 weeks.
One way to get started:Use Psychology Todayssearch toolto find an interpersonal therapy provider in your area.
At the end of the process, you might regain confidence in your ability to recover from crises together.
What to expect:Fifty-minute to one-hour sessions once a week for at least 12 weeks.
Hearing someone else talk about their struggles can help combat shame and stigma and lead to your own revelations.
Sharing your own hard-earned insights with others can also give your challenges new meaning.
Group work can be challenging when youre given honest (but painful) feedback or clash with other members.
This can last anywhere from a single session to years of gatherings.
See more from ourGuide to Caring for Your Mental Health here.
