5 Common Signs You Might Benefit from Therapy: A Calm, Evidence-Based FAQ
FAQ: What are Persistent Feelings of Sadness or Anxiety?
It’s common for everyone to feel blue or a bit anxious now and then, especially when life throws its curveballs. But there’s a difference between temporary worry or sadness and feelings that seem to linger, week after week, making it harder to enjoy life. So, what do we really mean by ‘persistent’ sadness or anxiety?
Clinically, these feelings become a concern when they stick around for more than two weeks straight—especially if they don’t seem to ease up, no matter what you try. You might notice you’re waking up with a pit in your stomach most mornings, or there’s a heavy gloom that follows you everywhere. Maybe the things you once loved—catching up with mates, going for a surf, book club, even family dinners—just don’t bring the same spark. This isn’t just ordinary stress; it’s a sign your emotional wellbeing might need some attention.
Persistent sadness or anxiety can make even simple daily tasks feel exhausting, affecting your work, relationships, or even your physical health. Left unaddressed, these feelings can spiral and increase the risk of other health issues, such as sleep difficulties or physical ailments (Harvard Health). If you’re recognising yourself here, know that you’re not alone—many Australians feel this way. Seeking support isn’t a failing; it’s a sign of self-awareness and courage, and therapy is one of the most effective steps towards genuine relief and healthier coping (APA).
Signs you might notice:
Low mood or worry most days for weeks on end
Struggling to concentrate or find motivation
Finding less enjoyment in activities you used to like
Feeling tired, irritable, or hopeless despite rest or downtime
Feeling persistently sad or anxious isn’t something you need to just “get over.” Recognising these patterns is the first, positive step toward feeling better—and connecting with a psychologist can help you get there.
FAQ: Recognising Signs You Might Benefit from Therapy
Are My Sleep Patterns a Cause for Concern?
If you’re tossing and turning most nights, or finding yourself sleeping more than ever, you’re not alone. Sleep is one of the first things to go off-track when we’re struggling mentally. What many Aussies don’t realise is just how closely our minds and sleep are connected—problems with sleep can be both a warning sign and a consequence of mental health challenges.
So, when should you be concerned? Everyone has the odd restless night, but it’s the significant changes that matter. These might include:
Struggling to fall asleep (lying awake with a busy mind for hours)
Waking up much earlier than usual and not being able to doze off again
Regularly waking during the night
Sleeping far more than usual, but still feeling tired or flat
Relying on sleeping pills or alcohol to get rest
Why does this matter? Persistent sleep problems can seriously impact mood, energy, concentration, and even immune health. In Australia, rates of insomnia and disrupted sleep have increased, particularly since the pandemic (Sleep Health Foundation), and ongoing poor sleep is now recognised as a risk factor for conditions like depression and anxiety.
If sleep issues are hanging around for weeks, or starting to interfere with your daily life, it may be time to talk to a psychologist. Getting on top of sleep is often the first step to feeling better overall.
What Do Unhelpful Coping Strategies Look Like?
We all do what we can to manage stress, grief, or tough times—but not all coping strategies are helpful in the long run. Sometimes our minds steer us towards quick fixes that only mask the problem.
Here are some common unhelpful coping mechanisms Australians might recognise:
Drinking more than usual — It’s easy to reach for a glass (or a few) after a long day, but regular or heavy drinking can worsen mood and sleep, and increase health risks.
Withdrawing from friends or family — Avoiding calls, dodging gatherings, or cancelling plans can feel easier, but isolation makes it harder to bounce back.
Binge eating or losing interest in food — Major shifts in eating (whether more or less) are common under stress.
Overworking — Throwing yourself into work or study as a distraction is socially acceptable, but burnout is real and can sneak up fast.
Avoiding problems — Putting things off, denying issues, or escaping into TV, gaming, or scrolling can keep you stuck.
These habits don’t make you weak—they’re common responses to overwhelming feelings. But if you notice yourself stuck in these patterns for weeks or months, or if they’re getting in the way of living the life you want, it might be a sign that some outside help could really make a difference (Beyond Blue).
If Friends Are Concerned, Should I Be?
Sometimes it’s hard to get perspective on our own wellbeing. You might brush off concerns or tell yourself you’re just going through a rough patch. But if friends, family, or a partner gently say they’ve noticed you’re not yourself, it can be worth pausing to reflect.
We humans aren’t always great at self-assessment—especially when mental health is involved. Often, it takes an outside observer to spot changes in our mood, behaviour, or energy that have crept in slowly. Maybe you’ve seemed flat, irritable, withdrawn, or overwhelmed. If you hear this feedback more than once, or from different people, that’s a strong signal.
Are people asking, “Are you okay?” more often?
Have you lost interest in things you used to love?
Have you been having more arguments or withdrawing from conversations?
It can feel confronting, but remember—genuine concern means people care. Rather than worrying you’ve “failed” in some way, consider it an act of support. Recognising the signs early can help you take steps before things get harder. Sometimes, seeking professional support is the most caring response to yourself and your loved ones (R U OK? Day is a reminder of the power of asking and answering these questions).
The Turning Point: Why Early Intervention Matters
When it comes to mental health, early intervention is a game-changer. The earlier someone reaches out for support, the easier it often is to manage challenges and prevent things from snowballing into something much bigger.
Why does this matter?
Better outcomes: Research from organisations like the Black Dog Institute shows that prompt support leads to quicker, longer-lasting recovery from issues like depression and anxiety.
Fewer complications: Addressing issues early reduces the chance of developing more severe mental health conditions, or experiencing related problems with work, relationships, or physical health.
Improved coping skills: Early therapy often focuses on building healthy ways to handle stress, communicate, and set boundaries—skills that protect you for life.
It’s also worth saying: seeing a psychologist doesn’t need to mean something is “serious” or “out of control.” Many Australians visit therapists as a proactive step—just like seeing a physio before a niggle becomes an injury.
If you’re seeing any of these warning signs—unusual sleep patterns, unhelpful coping, or loved ones checking in—it might be the perfect moment to consider talking to a professional. Early action isn’t just about crisis prevention; it’s about giving yourself the best chance to thrive, whatever comes your way.
Conclusion: Taking the First Step Towards Wellbeing
Recognising that you might benefit from therapy is an act of strength and self-respect, not a weakness. It takes courage to look inwards and acknowledge when things aren’t quite right. By learning to identify the signs—like ongoing sadness or anxiety, unhelpful coping habits, disrupted sleep, or even gentle nudges from concerned mates—you’re giving yourself permission to seek the support you deserve.
Remember, therapy isn’t just a lifeline in a crisis; it’s also a space for growth, reflection, and long-term wellbeing. Working with a psychologist can help you explore healthier ways of coping, build emotional resilience, and move towards a better quality of life. As the research consistently shows, reaching out for help early leads to easier, more effective recoveries and can actually prevent minor concerns from becoming bigger challenges (Australian Psychological Society).
Seeking support is empowering.
You don’t have to face challenges alone.
Therapy can help you discover practical steps to improve your mental health.
If you’ve recognised some of these signs in yourself, consider having a chat with a mental health professional. Even one conversation can make a world of difference. And if you’re not quite ready to book in, remember that raising the topic with a trusted friend or loved one is a powerful start. You matter, and your wellbeing is worth prioritising—whenever you’re ready to take that first step. If you’re looking for an understanding and approachable psychologist in Australia, Salt & Earth Psychology is here to support you on your journey.
