Mental illness is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite this, it is still surrounded by a great deal of stigma, with many individuals feeling ashamed or embarrassed to seek help. This can make it difficult for those suffering from mental health issues to get the support they need. In this write-up, I will share my personal journey with mental illness and discuss the importance of seeking counselling and psychotherapy to manage these conditions. Additionally, I will discuss the different types of therapy available, including cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, and other forms of psychotherapy. For those in the Dhaka area, I will also share some tips on finding the best psychologist in Dhaka to support your mental health needs.
My Personal Journey with Mental Illness
My journey with mental illness began in my 23s when I started experiencing intense feelings of anxiety and depression, that time I was reading a famous private university in Dhaka. At first, I tried to ignore these symptoms and hope that they would go away on their own. However, as time went on, they only became more severe, affecting my ability to work, socialize, and engage in everyday activities. Eventually, I realized that I needed help and decided to seek counselling.
Finding the right therapist was not an easy task. I initially saw a few therapists who did not seem to understand my issues, and I did not feel comfortable opening up to them. However, after some research, I was able to find a therapist who specialized in cognitive behavioral therapy, which helped me learn to manage my anxiety and depression. Over time, I was able to develop new coping strategies, change negative thought patterns, and improve my overall mental health.
The Importance of Seeking Counselling and Psychotherapy
My personal experience highlights the importance of seeking counselling and psychotherapy for mental health issues. Many people feel ashamed or embarrassed about seeking help, but there is no need to be. Mental health issues are common and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and can help you improve your quality of life.
Counselling and psychotherapy are effective treatments for mental health issues. These therapies provide individuals with a safe and supportive environment to talk about their problems, learn new coping skills, and develop a deeper understanding of their thoughts and feelings. Therapy can also help individuals identify patterns of behavior that may be contributing to their mental health issues and provide them with tools to change these behaviors.
Types of Therapy Available
There are many different types of therapy available to individuals seeking treatment for mental health issues. The most common types of therapy include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It is an evidence-based therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
- Family Therapy: Family therapy is a type of therapy that involves the whole family in the treatment process. It can be particularly helpful for individuals struggling with family conflict, communication issues, or other relationship problems.
- Psychoanalytic Therapy: Psychoanalytic therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on exploring unconscious thoughts and emotions. It is a longer-term therapy that can help individuals gain insight into their behaviors and feelings.
- Group Therapy: Group therapy involves a therapist leading a group of individuals with similar mental health issues. It provides a supportive environment for individuals to share their experiences, receive feedback, and learn new coping skills.
- There are so many types of therapy available today, I learned from here about all the types of therapies available before starting my therapy process- https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/types-of-therapy
Finding the Best Psychologist in Dhaka
For those in the Dhaka area, finding the best psychologist can be a daunting task. However, there are several steps you can take to ensure that you find a therapist who meets your needs.
First, consider your specific mental health needs. Do you have a particular mental health issue that you would focus on, such as anxiety or depression? Look for a therapist who specializes in treating that particular issue. You can do this by searching online for therapists in your area who specialize in the type of therapy you are looking for.
Next, consider the therapist’s experience and qualifications. Look for a therapist who is licensed and has experience working with individuals who have similar mental health issues to yours. You can ask for referrals from friends or family members who have had positive experiences with therapy or look for reviews of therapists online.
Finally, consider the therapist’s approach to treatment. Do they use evidence-based therapies such as CBT or family therapy? Do they have a particular approach that resonates with you? It’s important to find a therapist whose approach to treatment aligns with your values and goals.
In Dhaka, there are many qualified therapists and psychologists who can provide counselling and psychotherapy services. Some of the best psychologists in Chum include Saima Akhter Jui, Samsun Nahar, and Sharmin Ara Shormee, Sharmin Shetu, Mostak Imran, Nayma Haque, Kamrunnahar Pinni, Swampa and 30 more. These professionals have years of experience working with individuals who have a range of mental health issues and use evidence-based therapies to provide effective treatment. To book their session explore here- https://staging.chumwellness.com/wp/#sevices
Breaking the Stigma
Despite the prevalence of mental health issues and the effectiveness of therapy, mental illness is still surrounded by a great deal of stigma. Many individuals feel ashamed or embarrassed to seek help, and this can prevent them from getting the support they need.
Breaking the stigma around mental illness is essential for ensuring that individuals can access the care they need without fear of judgement or discrimination. This can be done by speaking openly about mental health issues, educating others about the prevalence of mental illness, and advocating for better access to mental health care.
In conclusion, seeking counselling and psychotherapy can be a life-changing step for those struggling with mental health issues. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, there are many effective therapies available to help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being. It’s important to find a therapist who specializes in the type of therapy you are looking for and whose approach to treatment aligns with your values and goals. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and breaking the stigma around mental illness is essential for ensuring that everyone can access the care they need to live a happy and healthy life.
Courtesy- A happy client of Chum (Formerly Mindo Health)
Sharmin Akter Shetu – a graduate Psychologist and Psychotherapist in Bangladesh. She’s been trained for Psychotherapy (PG), Neuro Linguistic Programme (NLP), Transactional Analysis (TA), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Systemic Family & Couple Therapy (SFCT), Psychodrama, Mindfulness, mh-GAP, Psychological First Aid (PFA), Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) etc.
She also has multiple Assessment Experience including;
» Stress measurement Scale.
» Anxiety measurement Scale.
» Hopelessness measurement Scale.
» Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children (WISC-IV).
» Wechsler Pre-School & Primary Scales of Intelligence (WPPSI-III) (Senior & Junior).
» Independent Behavior Assessment Scale (IBAS).
» RENELL Zinkin scales of Development for Young visually handicapped Children (RZS).
» BAYLEY Scales of Infant Development (BSID-II).
» Autism Diagnostic Observational Schedule (ADOS -2).
» Stanford Binet Intelligent Test.
» Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT)