There are many people that seek therapy because they’re in the middle of some immense struggling. They’re unable to manage their life while challenged with severe anxiety, depression, and other conditions that make it very difficult to function.
But there are many others that do not quite fit this description. They have anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, or other issues, but on a day to day basis they’re able to manage their life in some way. They can go to work. They may be married or in a relationship. They may be able to raise their kids or even enjoy some outings with friends.
These are individuals that can be described as “high functioning.” On a day to day basis, they’re doing “fine,” in the sense that they are managing their lives the way that most people need to manage their lives, but throughout that time they are struggling inside.
Some of these people have diagnosable conditions.
Others just need help – they might be managing, but they’re not managing well.
As therapists, when we talk about mental health conditions – anxiety, depression, etc., – sometimes we accidentally make it appear that therapy is only for those that are struggling with debilitating issues.
High functioning individuals need help too. They need:
- Someone to talk to about their relationships, their work stress, and their difficulties with friends and family.
- Someone to talk to about coping strategies for anxiousness and sadness, to help them reduce the way their mental health negatively impacts their life.
- Someone that can teach them more about themselves, helping them learn how to be the best people they can be.
Debilitating issues also tend to start as manageable ones. Those that have stress now are likely to be the ones that develop mental health challenges later, which is why it is beneficial to support people early on, when they’re high functioning, so that we can prevent more significant issues in the future.
Perhaps most importantly, however: everyone deserves to live their best possible life. They deserve to feel like they’re thriving and happy. If your mental health is getting in the way of that, it’s time to speak to a therapist that can guide you towards the solutions that make the most sense for you and your life.
Find out more or get started by reaching out to Long Island Counseling Services, today.