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Is there still a stigma about seeing therapists?

posted a year ago by michaelDclarke (1648)
16 replies | jump to latest

I think it largely depends where you live.

I think in countries like UK/Australia, there seems to be a negative connotation that you are considered "crazy" if you are seeing a therapist. That you only see a therapist if you have a serious issue, significant trauma, disorder requiring medication.

"Therapy is good/normal" seems to be a very American thing. I definitely noticed since late 90s, there seems to be a big shift towards improving mental health in USA even for "smaller" things such as anxiety. Before, it was considered "taboo" or that you were "crazy" and "dangerous" for even talking to a therapist regularly.

Your thoughts?

--Michael D. Clarke

[–] samoanjoes (50972) a year ago

I think so. People still associate it with being crazy. I don't think people realize how many people see therapists just to maintain their mental health in the same way they would to a doctor to do a checkup. I say if you got the money for it, what have you got to lose?

[–] ShogunofYonkers (71779) a year ago

I think seeing a professional therapist is really healthy for a lot a lot of people, I see nothing wrong with it.
It should be encouraged really.

I just hang out with my pesky little dog and drink and listen to music in the garage by myself.
Whatever works👍

[–] michaelDclarke (1648) a year ago

It seems attention on mental health is becoming a big thing these days especially post-COVID. I remember no one really talked about it back even 20 years ago.

--Michael D. Clarke

[–] ShogunofYonkers (71779) a year ago

I’m a big Irish goon, my therapy is some Willy Nelson music, a jug of rum and the company of my mean little black dog out in the garage.
She’s really mean with everyone and she bites me often but she makes me happy.
I love this angry little dog!
She probably loves me too but I can’t prove it.

I do know a couple of guys that went to psychotherapy.
They had suicidal ideas and not so nice thoughts towards their wives.
One of them thought of cutting himself when he made toast and held a knife. No joke, he was thinking of cutting himself.

They both got some professional help and seem much better now.

Any man that admits he needs psychotherapy is no coward or wimp, some men just need to talk stuff out. Ladies too I suppose.

[–] DMT (3780) a year ago

therapy is waste of money. better to go on a spirt quest and travel the lands to get out of depression

[–] michaelDclarke (1648) a year ago

Or do squats/deadlifts at the gym. 🏋️‍♀️ 💪

--Michael D. Clarke

[–] ShogunofYonkers (71779) a year ago

I quite agree that a good hunting hike up into the hills and mountains can clear a fellow’s mind. When the mountain mist is far beneath your feet and you’re all alone at the peak when the sun rises you feel really free.
And all alone, which is nice.

Those mists down below your boots can’t be seen anywhere else.

I do think therapy is good for a lot of people, I’d bet it prevents a lot of suicides, abuse and divorces.

[–] capjourney789 (134) a year ago

I used to see a therapist.....

all the person did was write down notes as I talked and every now and then asked me a question. Maybe gave a few advice that probably anyone, including myself, could have gave.

Instead of paying 50 to 100 dollars an hour to the therapist, I could have spent that money in a high class restaurant, a massage machine, going joy riding around the country, buffalo wings for dinner for the entire week, watch a movie at the theatre each day for a week, 4 to 5 boxes gum or snacks.

Don't get me wrong, a therapist can be a good thing.

[–] michaelDclarke (1648) a year ago

Largely depends on the individual therapist too.

--Michael D. Clarke

[–] Wint3rFir3 (6929) a year ago

I think there are more people that don't take therapists seriously, rather than they view people seeing therapists as crazy. But it's mostly free in Australia, so I don't think many people turn their nose down at people seeking mental improvement, they mostly just view it as a waste of time because they don't put much stock in the profession.

[–] overseas7 (3524) a year ago

If some people, whatever the reason is, need professional assistance, why not? There's nothing wrong with it. But, I order to answer your question, I think that there is still a stigma about it but not as strong as before.

[–] xanthas (3215) a year ago

Yes, obviously among male, American gun owners.

[–] [deleted] a year ago

You can just cut that back to being a male at all. Will Smith was lambasted and shamed for coming out and admitting he had a hard time with his wife cheating on him by the same people who are claiming they're inclusive and posting memes about supporting each other on Fakebook. Given the track record of how males get treated for being honest about their emotions I think they have some pretty solid ground to stand on when it comes to being cautious about seeking treatment.

[–] Otter (24464) a year ago

These things run in cycles. For much of the early and mid 20th century, therapy was thought to be the most wonderful thing ever, and you just weren't taken seriously in some circles unless you were in therapy. Talk therapy was seen as the cure for all ills and the road to happiness, but towards the end of the century, feelings began to change. People noticed that the people who spent the most time in therapy were neither cured nor happy, but were in fact paying someone to listen to them whine. So therapy went out of fashion.

But now that the children of helicopter parents are all growing up neurotic, therapy is back in style. It's come to this:

https://starecat.com/content/wp-content/uploads/the-world-if-parents-went-to-therapy-beautiful-perfect.jpg