Therapy is more than just sitting on the couch.

There are many misunderstandings about what it means to talk to a mental health professional. The need to talk about one’s emotions is seen as something teasing, weak, or shameful. This stigma is often the reason why people don’t seek help in the first place.

But the reality is: Therapy is an incredibly useful tool that can help with a range of issues, from anxiety to sleep, relationships to trauma. Research shows it’s very effective in helping people manage mental health conditions, and experts say it’s worth it even if you don’t have a health problem.

If you still need some convincing, here are a few reasons why you should give it a try:

1. You’re experiencing unexpected mood swings.

If you find that your emotions or thought processes are more negative and persist, it may be worth talking to someone. This is often a sign of mental health issues. A therapist can help you get to the root of your problem.

You have the opportunity to disclose your thoughts, feelings and situations in a confidential environment. Within the safe confines of this safe environment, individuals feel safe to explore areas of themselves or their lives that are difficult or dissatisfying.

2. You’re undergoing a big change.

This could be a new career, a new family, or moving to another city. New businesses are challenging and it’s normal to need help.

You can work with someone who has a neutral perspective to identify goals and develop a plan to achieve them. Treatment often involves developing skills and strategies to reduce or manage life’s stressors.

3. You’re having harmful thoughts.

Suicide and self-harm are completely preventable through treatment from a licensed professional. If you feel like harming yourself right away, seek help immediately through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or the Crisis Text Line.

4. You’re withdrawing from things that used to bring you joy.

Loss of power can be a sign that something is wrong. For example, if you’re usually a social butterfly and suddenly quit your weekly sports league, you may be experiencing something deeper. Folgerberg explains that a trained therapist can help you figure out why this might be happening.The truth is, therapy can be very helpful for many people and often helps individuals maintain their mental health.

5. You’re feeling isolated or alone.

Many people dealing with mental health issues feel like they have a strange experience dealing with their experiences. Group therapy can help address this issue and even allow medical professionals to recognize the validity of your emotions.

When you receive treatment, you will immediately feel relieved that you are not alone. Your questions are easily understood and shared by others. This can bring comfort and hope.

6. You’re using a substance to cope with issues in your life.

If you find yourself turning to drugs or alcohol to cope with things going on in your life, it may be time to reach out for help. Addiction and substance abuse are medical conditions, not character flaws.

Our understanding of the biology of addiction and evidence-based treatments have led to many breakthroughs in helping people achieve their treatment goals. Receiving treatment allows a person to gain the knowledge needed to adequately address the condition.

7. You suspect you might have a serious mental health condition.

Serious mental illness affects nearly 10 million adults in the United States each year. If you feel unwell for an extended period of time, please contact us.Mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia rarely appear suddenly, and people show symptoms over a period of time. Symptoms—especially symptoms such as severe nervousness, apathy, or intrusive thoughts—should not be ignored. They are treatable.

8. You feel like you’ve lost control.

This particular feeling occurs when people are dealing with substance abuse or addiction issues. This lack of control often traps individuals in repetitive cycles of substance use.

This can trap a person in a cycle of addiction – using their substances to avoid painful feelings. Getting treatment can help relieve this heavy burden.

9. Your relationships feel strained.

Relationships – no matter what they are – are hard work. You don’t need to know all the answers. If you’re with your partner, therapy can help the two of you explore better ways to communicate and resolve any other issues that may arise. Couples therapy may even be helpful if your partner is hesitant and ends up not attending therapy.

A therapist can pinpoint how to help spouses explain misunderstandings and identify where they are most at odds.

10. Your sleeping patterns are off.

A key symptom of depression includes disrupted sleep, either too little or too much. If you notice any significant changes, it might be time to investigate the underlying problem (this even applies to insomnia, which also includes therapy as a treatment option).

11. You just feel like you need to talk to someone.

Bottom line: There is nothing wrong with seeking professional help for any health issue, including mental health.

If there’s a chance you need to talk to someone, do it. Therapy is a completely normal and valuable experience that can be beneficial to many people.