Improvement-minded individuals spend a lot of time making realistic goals. When you stop to think about what you want to achieve in life and how you plan to do it, what do you think is standing in your way? For many, fear is the number-one road blocker. Fear prevents us from taking risks and confronting the unknown, holding us back from reaching our goals. When we realize our self-sabotage, that fear can quickly sour into depression or anxiety.
If you suffer from debilitating fear, you don’t have to let it rule your life. Working with a mental health therapist can help you overcome your fears and put your newfound confidence into action. Let’s talk about some of the ways a therapist can help you.
Express Your Fears
Working with a therapist provides a safe environment in which you can voice and discuss fears you’ve kept bottled up in the past. Consider some fears you might want to discuss with your therapist:
Fear of failure that prevents you from taking on challenging tasks and venturing outside your comfort zone
Fear of rejection that prevents you from pursuing friendships or relationships
Fear of getting older and losing time to achieve your goals
Fear of political or societal problems around the world that are beyond your control
Expressing these or other fears is the first step toward controlling them. Therapists can guide you toward proper treatment and solutions.
Explore Your Fears
Once you’ve put your fears out in the open, you can work with a therapist to learn more about them. When and why did they originate? What aspects of your life sustain or worsen your fears? What steps can you take to overcome the negative effects they have on you?
Therapists navigate these questions and more, with your health and wellness at the top of the priority list. Discussing your fears will not always be easy, but the hard work pays off over time.
Treat Your Fears
Now that you’ve expressed and studied your fears, you can work with your therapist to carry out the treatment process. Coming up with a treatment plan is only half the battle; you also have to stick to it over time. Part of a therapist’s role is to keep you honest and make sure you’re following your treatment plan. It’s tough to make significant changes all on your own, but your therapist can lead the way on the path to overcoming fear.
Fear torments and paralyzes so many of us on a daily basis, but we don’t have to let it hold us back or keep us from achieve our goals. Consider working with a therapist to overcome your fears and break free from their hold on you!
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our Depression Counseling page or call 919-647-4600.
