There are many reasons that we might need professional support for our mental health. Some difficulties can be helped with self-care and lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, and finding meaningful hobbies and good relationships. We hope that welldoing.org as a whole provides you with a range of information, ideas and approaches that may help in this regard.
However, sometimes feelings of anxiety, or depression, or stress are long-lasting and difficult to tackle alone. For those problems that require more support or assistance, therapy could be a benefit. A recent survey found that more than half of all people in the UK have either seen or know somebody who has seen a therapist and this number is growing as people realise the help that therapy can offer.
We have compiled a list of common concerns and disorders that therapists regularly work with. The information for each has been approved by a member of the welldoing.org directory; their names are listed below.
A person can be physically addicted to drugs and alcohol, but there are emotional addictions too
If anger is causing real problems in relationships, talking about it can help
Anxiety is an increasing problem, more common in women than men
Caring for a loved one can be immensely complicated, and a person who acts as a carer might need support
The loss of a loved one is a major life event and one that can benefit from seeking help
A person with bipolar disorder (which used to be called manic depression) experience extreme mood changes
A person with body dysmorphia will be distressed by a particular part of their body, severely affecting their daily life
Chronic fatigue syndrome causes extreme mental and physical exhaustion
Chronic pain often has a significant impact on mental and emotional wellbeing
Cultural identity issues include difficulties surrounding race, class, ethnicity, sexual orientation and disability
Dementia is a disease that affects a person's ability to function as before
People with depression have a wide range of troubling emotions and physical effects
Dissociation is characterised by a sense of disconnect between your self and reality
Domestic violence can take the form of physical, psychological, sexual or financial abuse
Anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating are types of eating disorders which can be treated with therapy
Emotional abuse can be more subtle and harder to define than other types of abuse, but can be hugely harmful
Losing contact and connection with your family can be painful
Our family relationships are some of the most important we ever make, and can also be the most challenging
A person with gender dysphoria has a gender identity that does not match their sexual characteristics
Guilt is a natural emotion, however can be problematic for those who feel it excessively
People with imposter syndrome have difficulty recognising their success, and may feel like a fraud
Regularly going without sufficient sleep can be physically and emotionally exhausting
How we relate to other people can be problematic for some
A miscarriage can be an emotionally and physically draining experience, categorised often by grief and challenging emotions
A person with OCD has a pattern of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviour
Orthorexia is an unhealthy obsession with 'clean' eating which can be extremely life-limiting
Panic attacks can be caused by underlying mental health difficulties or stressful life circumstances
There are many different types of personality disorder, and the severity of symptoms differs between individuals
Phobias are extreme and unrealistic fears that lead people to avoid those fears
Postnatal depression is very common, affecting 1 in 10 women
Relationship difficulties are often the spur to see a counsellor, alone or with a partner
Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that affects the way a person thinks, feels and behaves
Individuals with selective mutism are unable to speak in certain situations
Who self-harms and what are the reasons for this coping behaviour
If you have been diagnosed with a serious or terminal illness, you may have lots of emotions and life changes to cope with
Being a victim of sexual abuse as a child or adult has serious repercussions for levels of trust
Sexuality exists on a spectrum; for some people accepting where they are on this spectrum can present challenges
There are many physical, emotional and mental factors that may contribute to sexual problems in both men and women
High levels of stress can lead to serious mental and physical health problems if not addressed
Read about the warning signs of suicide and how therapy can help
Tourette's syndrome is characterised by involuntary tics and can make life very challenging
Trauma can re-ignite past problems, and it can be treated successfully
The welldoing.org directory therapists and counsellors who approved this resource material are: Nicole Addis, Julia Bueno, Peter Cockersell, Sue Cowan Jenssen, Monika Dedus, Harriet Frew, Patricia Grey, Steve Harland, Rebecca Harris, Hugh Hetherington, Christina Moutsou, Linda Newbold, Camilla Nicholls, Tamar Posner, Owen Redahan, Anna Storey, David Taylor, Carolyn Watts, Jake Yeardsley, Gilead Yeffett, Sarah McGuinness, Frances Weston, Sally Potter, Nicole Scott
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