You’re stressed, but it’ okay. Your responsibilities seem to keep piling up with no relief, but it’s fine. You
don’t feel like anyone really hears when you ask for help, but what’s new? The pressure feels so heavy
sometimes that you just want to run away somewhere, but it is what it is, right? As adults, we’re trained
to believe that being overwhelmed is just part of being a grown-up. It’s just part of handling our
business and getting the job done. We’re praised at work for how much we can take without throwing in
the towel. We’re considered “strong” by how much burden we can carry. We trudge through life putting
on a brave face out of fear that someone may see that we couldn’t cut it. We hurry to wipe our tears
before our significant others, friends, and family see that we’re not superhuman. Well, y’all, this is not
okay. We’re not superhuman, and it’s time to relieve yourself of that guilt for not living up to that
ridiculous standard.
Even if you don’t buy into them, everyone has at least heard of stereotypes of people who reach out to
therapists. While there are many reasons for people to reach out to therapists, most reach out for the
reasons I’ve discussed. Therapy is where you go when you feel like you just need to “get it out”. Therapy
is where you go to gain tools to balance your life. Therapy is where you go to keep from losing your sh--.
I’m excited that therapy is becoming normalized in our society. I’m absolutely loving how people of color
are acknowledging the reality of mental health. Yet, there are still so many people who don’t quite grasp
what therapy is. I’m here to tell you: Therapy is whatever you want it to be!
If you have questions about this blog or my practice, please feel free to reach out to me at
erica.woodard@fourpillarscc.com or call me at 256-697-0691.
