Imagine being given a choice: being alone with your thoughts for 15 minutes or receiving multiple electric shocks during that time. What would you choose?
At first glance, the answer is obvious—pain seems like a much worse alternative. But a study published in the journal Science in 2014 suggests that for many people, the silence of their own thoughts can be even worse. In this experiment, a quarter of women and two-thirds of men chose electric shocks over sitting quietly with their own thoughts. One participant even shocked himself 190 times in 15 minutes.
These striking results confirm a simple but disturbing truth: most people are unable to effectively be alone with their inner world. And while this may seem like a small thing, the problem is actually deeper. It is directly related to our mental health and how we cope with life's challenges.
Why do thoughts become the “enemy”?
Our brain is a powerful mechanism that constantly analyzes, plans, and reacts. But sometimes it becomes overactive, filled with dense, chaotic thoughts. These can be worries about the past, fears about the future, or simply anxiety for no apparent reason.
In a situation where these thoughts become an irresistible wave, a person can feel helpless. There is no instruction on how to cope with it. That is why many people prefer to fill every minute of their life with activity, even if it is negative - just to avoid meeting themselves.
Can I solve this on my own?
Popular advice like “just relax” or “don’t think about the bad” doesn’t work. Overcoming difficult emotions or anxieties on your own is certainly possible, but it takes time, knowledge, and discipline. And even then, there’s no guarantee that a person will be able to solve the deep-seated problems that lie behind superficial thoughts.
It's like trying to treat a complex physical injury yourself without the experience or knowledge. The symptoms may go away for a while, but without professional help, there is a risk of complications.
How does psychotherapy help?
Psychotherapy is not just a way to “talk it out.” It is a professional approach that helps you understand where your thoughts come from, why they become so intense, and how to organize them.
Here are some key benefits of working with a psychotherapist:
- Deep self-understanding. Many thoughts that scare or worry us have subconscious reasons. A therapist can help you find these reasons and understand how they affect your life.
- Tools for managing emotions. You will learn techniques to help you cope with anxiety, stress, or panic attacks.
- Safety: Unlike talking to friends or loved ones, therapy sessions are a non-judgmental space where you can be yourself.
- Long-term results: Working with a therapist not only helps you resolve current issues, but also helps you develop skills that will make you more resilient in the future.
What prevents you from seeing a psychotherapist?
Despite all the benefits, many people avoid therapy due to fear, prejudice, or stigma. The following arguments are often made:
- "I don't have any serious problems."
- “It’s expensive.”
- "I can handle it myself."
- “What will others think of me?”
But it's important to understand: going to a therapist is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. It's a responsible step towards improving your life.
Why is this important now?
We live in a world where information overload, stress, and social expectations are the norm. In such conditions, it is important to not only take care of your physical health, but also pay attention to your mental well-being.
If we don't learn to work effectively with our thoughts, it can lead to serious consequences: chronic anxiety, depression, emotional burnout, or even physical illness.
The research described at the beginning of the article demonstrates how difficult it is for us to simply be ourselves. But this is not a sentence. We can learn to be in harmony with our thoughts, and psychotherapy is one of the most effective ways to achieve this.
And the most effective is psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, which makes it possible to reach the deepest mechanisms of the subconscious - the same ones that cause mental disorders.
Take the first step towards improving your life. Find time for yourself, try to understand your feelings and don’t be afraid to seek help. A therapist is not a “savior”, but your partner on the path to inner freedom.
The famous poet John Milton, in his book “Paradise Lost,” writes: “Mind is the master of its place, and in it it alone / Can make heaven out of hell, and hell out of heaven.”
Remember: the best investment is an investment in your health, and mental health is no exception. Make a choice in your favor - contact the qualified specialists of the Expio center!
