Everyone has ups and downs in life, but what do you do when it becomes overwhelming to perform simple daily tasks? Talking to a professional may help. Laurie Burns, LCSW-R, CGP, the seasoned therapist in Rochester, NY, uses her 20-plus years of counseling experience to help the public understand when to consult a licensed professional counselor.

3 Signs It’s Time to Consult a Therapist

1. Facing Each Day Is a Struggle

It’s hard to start your daily routine, or perhaps it’s hard to get out of bed. Day after day, you are losing your ability to stay focused on schoolwork, job assignments, or household chores. You should pay attention to these changes. Depression and anxiety include symptoms that cause significant problems in everyday life for weeks at a time.

2. You Can’t Solve Your Problem Yourself

You’ve tried talking yourself out of feeling depressed or anxious, but it hasn’t worked. Taking advice from friends or family members hasn’t helped, and sometimes it makes you feel worse. Consulting a licensed professional counselor is a good next step.

3. You Start Abusing Things or People to Feel Better

You used to drink alcoholic beverages occasionally, but now it’s a daily habit. Instead of smoking a few cigarettes a day, it’s a pack. You’ve started taking illegal drugs or increased the use of legal ones. To cope with your feelings, you’re verbally or physically abusing your spouse or loved ones. Instead of personal interactions, you ignore everyone and spend all your time on the internet. 

An experienced therapist can help you reclaim your life. Take the first step and contact licensed professional counselor Laurie Burns, LCSW-R, CGP, in Rochester, NY, at (585) 734-6826. She specializes in family, couples, and personal counseling services. For more information, visit her website.