Updated: Oct 15, 2020, 11:08 IST

To Those Who Say Seeking Therapy Is A Waste Of Money & Time, Here's Why You’re Wrong


“Spending Rs 1,500 for just a consultation is a sheer waste of money”, “Therapists can’t help, they are just a waste of time”, “What therapists tell you, even your friends and family can”, etc. Does this sound familiar? Have you ever been told any of these things? Or overheard anyone saying this to someone suffering from depression or anxiety? Well, sadly, that’s how therapy is viewed in our society: a total waste of money and time. 

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What people fail to understand is that therapy is a safe place to vent, a place that gives you a new perspective and validates your fears, emotions, and feelings, thereby giving you an unbiased opinion. There are things that you can’t always share with even your closest friends and family, and for that, you need medical attention. There are trained professionals for a reason and it’s absolutely okay to seek their help without letting anyone tell you otherwise. We got in touch with a few people who have consulted therapists and here’s how it’s helped them feel better.

Do not put a price tag on the love you have for yourself

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“It might take a while to find the right therapist but when you do, you'll learn to love yourself again one day at a time. You will have power over your tears, over that urge to run away from emotions and all-things real. Once your mind finds its strength back, your body will too. And you shouldn't put a price tag on the love you have for yourself, my friend. You're priceless and therapy will remind you of it.”

Chhavi Porwal, Delhi

Therapy is a process, not a magic wand

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“Therapists are trained to recognize behavioral patterns that aren't commonly identified by us. If you go to a therapist seeking a magical solution to all your problems – that would be a waste of money. However, if you go with the intent to untangle your thoughts and let in some logical perspective, it can do wonders. We need to treat therapy as a process that takes us inward and not expect unrealistic outcomes. Only then it won't seem like a waste of money, perhaps.”

Tracy Ann, Mumbai

Therapy gives you a perspective

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“Nothing has been more worthy of my money than the 1500 rupees I spent last month on my first session. I always believed I was strong and dealt with situations in a very mature manner. But I had turned bitter and rough-edged. It was only a few sessions later that I realised I wasn’t strong, I was probably SpongeBob who soaked everything in and didn’t leak out anything. I was full of toxicity, and therapy gave me an outlet and a perspective. I was definitely more satisfied and happier at the end of the month than I would have been with a dress of the same price.”

Yashi Marwaha, Delhi

‘Talk to friends’ is not a replacement for therapy

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“Therapy helped me simplify all the chaos in my head. It gives you the clarity that your friends or family – however objective you think they might be – cannot give. It's expensive, yes, but the coping mechanisms my therapist helped me use are ones I still apply in my life. It's not just going and talking about your problems, but getting to the root of why your mind responds to things a certain way. It helps you understand yourself and that's something you carry with you for life.

“Also, when you see a therapist, they give unbiased, professional opinions on people in your life. The root of your issues could be the same friends and family you turn to for advice. It's important to get a third person's point of view. Also, they are professionals trained to understand these things so saying "talk to friends" is not a replacement for therapy.”

Stuti Bhattacharya, Delhi

It’s time we rid society of the taboo that surrounds the subject of mental health. Seeking help does not make you weak. If anything, it equips you and makes you stronger than you’d ever thought you could be.

Lead Image Credits: Lust Stories, RSVP and Flying Unicorn Entertainment

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