I am no stranger to crippling depression and anxiety brought on by a sudden, immediate and overwhelming life crisis that felt completely outside of my control.
This journey was brutally hard and at times I didn’t even know how or why I should keep going, but I am glad that I did and can share this experience with you.
We all now face a tremendous amount of personal, professional, and global problems affecting our lives to varying degrees. And it can be difficult to adapt to changing circumstances and for some this can have a drastic impact on your life, affecting your job, your finances, your relationships, and most of all your mental health.
Online Counseling: My Saving Grace
A few years ago I “had it all.” A career path I was passionate about, the perfect wedding, a surprise pregnancy, a move to a new country, and a five-year plan. I had finally “made it.” Yet, in a matter of weeks, it all started to fall to pieces. Every single aspect of my life crumbled into a chaotic mess — one after another, like dominoes.
The following two years would be one major crisis or trauma followed by another. I felt like I was trapped out in the ocean, at the point right where the waves crash and break. At times, I didn’t even have the chance to take a breath before I was caught by the next massive wave that pinned me down with tremendous force.
At one point I shut down, becoming emotionally numb to everything just so I could get through the day.
The waves of overwhelm, lack of control, deep depression, anxiety, despair, hopelessness, and utter loneliness were relentless. The darkness I was experiencing was vast and all-consuming. With the added challenge of pregnancy and complete uncertainty for the future, I was desperate for help.
My employment and finances were hanging in the balance and with a pending international move, I was limited for therapy options. I turned to online counseling (also known as telehealth or virtual therapy) through BetterHelp and it was the BEST decision I’ve ever made.
Looking back, I don’t know how I would have survived the last few years without my online therapist.
She was always there, always responsive. When I withdrew and didn’t get back to her after a couple of days she would check-in with me, and kept checking in with me. I was able to open up to her completely about each major life problem I was facing as they were happening. She was always empathic, gave me reassurance, provided valuable insight, and suggested exercises to do that helped me improve my coping skills.
Now settled here in the U.S. after international move number three, I have seen in-person therapists, but still prefer online counseling. It feels more flexible and more accessible, and fits better with my life right now.
Help Is Available
As my mental health improved, so did my life. Slowly, I began to regain my true sense of self. And I turned to other online healing programs, since I already experienced how beneficial it could be for me. Eventually, I became empowered enough to take charge of my own self-care so that I can now handle my anxiety in healthy ways.
In a crisis, it is not just one area of our lives that is affected, it’s the entirety, and that can be tremendously overwhelming for anyone. With so many issues happening all at once, we don’t know where to start and the negative feelings can snowball out of control. You don’t have to wait until you are desperate like I did, there are amazing therapists ready and available to help you.
*Note: Please contact your insurance provider first to ensure your coverage of telehealth services.
Local Providers Who Offer Online Counseling
Anne Carlsen
Autonomy Counseling
Becoming Balanced
Chrysalis Counseling Center
Dakota Family Services
Music Therapy in Motion
Moorhead Counseling
Nicolas Gard, LICSW, PLLC
PATH Trauma & Stress Clinic
Prairieland Counseling
Redeeming Grace Counseling
Resolve Behavioral Health
Sisson Counseling Services
Solutions Behavioral Healthcare
Village Family Service Center
Please check in with friends and loved ones who may also need some additional support. Our mental health is so important, and there are resources and support available to help.
Looking for ways to help talk to your kids when current events feel scary? Check out our post here!
