Anxiety & Stress

Are You Getting “Cold Feet” About Your First Psychiatry Appointment? Maybe this is a term you’re familiar with when it comes to weddings. It’s what you see on movies when the bride (or groom) backs out at the last minute and runs away to a different life. “Cold feet” is the term loosely used to describe last minute thoughts of “oh, I shouldn’t do this!” associated with feelings of anxiety. Unfortunately, cold feet don’t just happen in rom-coms and weddings. It happens in therapy appointments too! Most often prior to the initial session. It’s a common occurrence among people seeking mental wellness. While it’s natural to feel anxious about starting your mental wellness journey, it’s important to understand why you might be hesitant and address those concerns.  Initially a sense of relief might overcome you. “Whew!” you think… “I don’t really need to focus on my mental wellness anyway.” “Sure, it might have been helpful, but I’m sure I’ll be fine without it.” In the following minutes to days, you’ll likely come up with many of these different thoughts to justify not attending the appointment. That still, small voice inside of you knows that you would benefit from seeing a professional, and you’re wondering if you made a mistake to cancel. You’re also confused about why you cancelled. REASONS THAT DRIVE YOU TO CANCEL AN APPOINTMENT​ Here are three possible reasons. Crisis One reason you might cancel your appointment is because the crisis that prompted you to seek help has passed. However, even if things have improved, it’s important to trust your instinct that change is necessary, and that therapy can help you achieve long-term growth and healing. Uncomfortable Another reason you might back out is because you feel embarrassed or worried about judgment from others. But seeking mental wellbeing is a sign of strength, and it’s important to let go of any shame or stigma around mental health. Remember, everyone needs support at some point in their lives, and therapy can be a valuable tool in your journey towards wellness.  Finances Finally, financial concerns can also cause people to cancel their therapy appointments. While therapy can be costly, it’s important to view it as an investment in your well-being. You are worth more than any dollar amount, and therapy can help you achieve a happier, healthier life in the long run.  CONCLUSION In summary, if you’ve ever felt hesitant about seeing a professional in mental health, know that you’re not alone. But it’s important to address your concerns and understand that seeking therapy is a positive step towards healing and growth. Trust your instinct, let go of any shame or stigma, and view mental health as a valuable investment in your overall wellbeing.  It is crucial to seek help as early as possible when experiencing any mental health difficulties that won’t go away. Without the ability to cope or process what’s going on, individuals may develop unhealthy habits to get through the day. Over 83% of people who reach out for mental health services usually report better sleep, quality of life, work satisfaction, clarity, focus, better moods, relationships, and self-confidence. See our success stories. After all, it’s not a marriage…       If you’re having “Cold Feet “about making or canceling an appointment, don’t worry. We’re here to help! Simply give us a call at 800-955-0167 or visit our website at www.journeytelepsych.com  and we’ll be more than happy to assist you in any way we can.