Should I Start Therapy? 17 Signs It Could Help
Deciding to start therapy can feel like a big step and it’s completely normal to hesitate. You might be telling yourself, “I should be able to handle this on my own,” or “It’s not serious enough to need therapy.” The truth is, therapy is not just for crises. It’s for anyone who wants to understand themselves better, handle life’s challenges, and find more balance and connection.
Sometimes the small, subtle signs are what tell you support could really help. Paying attention to these early can make a big difference and help you feel more grounded and in control before things get harder.
Here are signs you might benefit from therapy:
Your sleep is off, or you’re always tired.
You’re noticing changes in your sleep. You can’t fall asleep, wake up a lot, or just feel drained, no matter how much rest you get.
It’s hard to slow down or rest.
You feel like there’s always more you could or should be doing. Even when you try to slow down, it’s hard to relax.
You’re always thinking or overanalyzing.
You can’t stop going over things in your head. You replay conversations, consider every possible scenario, and worry about anything that could go “wrong.”
Past experiences or trauma keep coming up.
You feel stuck in old patterns. You’ve experienced something horrific. Memories, flashbacks, or feelings from the past show up unexpectedly.
You react quickly or get irritated easily.
You’re snapping at people, or your emotions feel intense and out of proportion to the situation.
Your body is showing signs of stress.
You’re having more headaches, stomach issues, tight muscles, tension, or other unexplained symptoms.
Things you used to enjoy don’t feel fun anymore.
It’s hard to feel motivated or excited about life. Even your hobbies, social activities, or activities don’t feel as enjoyable anymore.
Your usual ways of coping aren’t working.
What used to help you get through tough days doesn’t feel like enough. You might find yourself drinking, scrolling, or working too much to try to cope.
You feel lonely or disconnected.
Your support network has dwindled. You notice that you’re pulling away from friends or family, or you’re feeling isolated even when you’re around people.
You’re feeling more cynical or hopeless.
Life feels heavier, and it’s hard to see the positive side. You're feeling more stuck or pessimistic about the future.
You’re navigating more stressors or life changes.
Multiple responsibilities or big transitions are piling up. You feel like you’re barely keeping up, or all the new changes just feel so hard.
You feel numb or disconnected from your feelings.
It’s hard to know what you’re actually feeling because you feel “flat” emotionally or disconnected from yourself.
Relationship patterns keep repeating or feel strained.
The same arguments or issues show up again and again. It’s hard to maintain meaningful connections or feel close to others.
You’re feeling unsure of who you are anymore.
You feel like you’ve lost touch with the person you used to be. Now you’re questioning your values, priorities, or sense of self. You wonder, “Who am I?”
You’re crying more or feeling more emotional than usual.
Your emotions feel more intense or unpredictable. You’re feeling teary, overwhelmed, or moved more often.
You have changes in appetite or eating habits.
You’re eating more or less than usual. It seems like food is connected to stress or emotional comfort more than before.
Nothing seems to help.
You feel stuck because you’ve already tried so many strategies. Exercise, talking to friends, books, and podcasts. Nothing seems to make a difference.
Should I Start Therapy?
You might be wondering, “Do I really need therapy?” or “Am I ready for this?” The truth is, therapy can be beneficial for anyone who wants support, perspective, or tools to navigate life more effectively.
If you recognize several of the signs above in yourself, that’s a signal worth paying attention to. Feeling “off,” overwhelmed, or stuck doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human, and that seeking support could help you feel more balanced, understood, and equipped to handle life’s challenges.
Therapy is not about fixing you. It’s about giving you space to process, learn, and grow in a safe, supportive environment.
Ready to Start?
Taking the first step can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Even one conversation can help you feel heard, supported, and clearer about your next steps.
If you’re ready to explore therapy, I invite you to schedule a free consultation to see if we’re a good fit. Together, we can talk through your goals, your challenges, and how therapy might help you feel more like yourself again.
Remember: reaching out doesn’t mean you have to have everything figured out. It just means you’re ready to take care of yourself, and that’s always a step worth taking.
Michaela Zoppa is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She supports women and teen girls navigating anxiety, perfectionism, trauma, and burnout. She uses evidence-based, trauma-informed modalities, including EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy.
