Currently, there is a strong emphasis on seeking psychological help as part of the pursuit of mental health. “Prevention is better than cure!” Of course—it makes perfect sense. However, if a person never feels the need to prevent anything or recognize that their choices are leading them down more difficult paths, this argument loses its meaning.

In fact, when we talk about the concept of mental health, we need to approach it carefully—but I will leave that topic for another post.

So, when should you seek a psychologist?

In a very direct way: when you feel that you need help. When what used to work for you no longer does, and you are unable to find alternative solutions.

I would say the first step is recognizing that you need help. In some way, if you are reading this post, it is because you are considering it or have reasons for doing so—and perhaps you are looking for them to be reflected here, to reinforce and justify your decision to seek help. And why not seek help?

There are, of course, many reasons to see a psychologist/psychotherapist, such as:

Increasing self-esteem, confidence, and a sense of security in yourself and in the world around you;
Addressing emotional difficulties such as high levels of stress, burnout, anxiety, panic, depression, fears, phobias, blocks, compulsions, trauma, hearing voices, depersonalization, among others;
Improving romantic, family, and personal relationships;
Enhancing communication skills;
Developing greater mental flexibility and the ability to generate new solutions;
Learning to better cope with conflict and with the realities of existence (death, relationships, life’s inevitabilities, uncertainty, and anxiety);
Mental (dis)organization;
Understanding and overcoming habits and addictions;
Reducing academic and learning difficulties;
Addressing body-related concerns (eating and body image issues);
Seeking self-knowledge and self-awareness;
Improving overall well-being and quality of life;
Searching for meaning in life.
I would like to highlight a key idea: if you do not see your reason explicitly listed here, it does not mean you do not need help. If you feel that you have a valid reason to seek support, then go for it.

There is no discrimination when it comes to reasons—every reason is valid. Each person has their own experiences and challenges they wish to overcome. Therefore, in their uniqueness, everyone has their own reasons to seek psychological help and, ultimately, to take care of themselves.

Beatriz Pimentel, psychologist and psychotherapist