I had barely taken off my graduation gown when I received notification from my bank that my overdraft facilities had also graduated, meaning I now had to pay interest starting, err, immediately.
I have relished every last 10 per cent discount, special offer and free entry that comes with being a student. But one service I didn’t use during my three years of study was the free counselling available at my university. I feel strangely anxious at no longer having that service on offer. It has occurred to me that I put off visiting a counsellor at various points despite wanting to — why is this?
Thankfully, no massive tragedy has caused me to seek therapy, but I have often wanted to talk to someone impartial about those worries you fear boring your friends with. At the age of 21, and without any real ‘stress’, I realise it is a fear of emotionally indulging myself that has stopped me booking an appointment. Do I have the right to use a service increasingly under strain?
According to a recent study conducted by the British Association for Counseling and Psychotherapy, one in five people has sought therapy. The stigma surrounding paying to talk is lessening. We are now encouraged to care for ourselves emotionally as well as physically, preventing more serious mental health problems occurring later on in life.
I think it crucial that therapy services become more readily available, and not just at points in life where it is assumed you might need to talk. I wonder how many others worry their problems are not valid enough for therapy, particularly younger people. It is important to set aside such doubt, and seek the emotional support we all need from time to time. If you had a reccurring cough, you would visit your GP, so wurely therapy can only be a good thing.
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