Imagine being offered a choice: to be alone with your thoughts for 15 minutes or to receive electric shocks several times during that time. What will 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, shows that for many people, the silence of their own thoughts can be even worse. In this experiment, a quarter of the women and two-thirds of the men chose the electric shock over sitting quietly with their own thoughts. One of the experiment participants even electrocuted himself 190 times in those 15 minutes.
These impressive results confirm a simple but troubling truth: most people do not know how to be effectively 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 he becomes too active, full of dense, chaotic thoughts. It can be worries about the past, fears about the future or just anxiety for no apparent reason.
In a situation where these thoughts become an irresistible wave, a person can feel helpless. There is no manual on how to deal 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.
Is it possible to solve this on your own?
Popular advice in the spirit of "just relax" or "don't think about the bad" does not work. Dealing with difficult emotions or anxieties on your own is, of course, possible, but it takes time, knowledge, and discipline. And even then, there is no guarantee that a person will be able to solve the deep problems that are hidden behind superficial thoughts.
It is similar to trying to self-treat a complex physical injury without experience and knowledge. Symptoms may disappear for a while, but without professional help there is a risk of complications.
How does psychotherapy help?
Psychotherapy is not only a way to "talk it out". This 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 frighten or disturb us have subconscious causes. A psychotherapist helps you find these reasons and understand how they affect your life.
- Tools for managing emotions. You will learn techniques that help you cope with anxiety, stress or panic attacks.
- Security. 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 psychotherapist helps not only to solve current problems, but also to develop skills that will make you more resilient in the future.
What prevents you from contacting a psychotherapist?
Despite all the benefits, many people avoid therapy because of fear, prejudice, or stigma. The following arguments are often heard:
- "I have no serious problems."
- "It's expensive."
- "I can handle it myself."
- "What will others think of me?".
But it is important to understand: turning to a psychotherapist is not a sign of weakness, but, on the contrary, of strength. This is 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 becoming the norm. In such conditions, it is important not only to take care of physical health, but also to pay attention to 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 just be ourselves. But this is not a verdict. 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, where it becomes possible to get to the deepest mechanisms of the subconscious - the same ones that cause mental disorders.
Take the first step to improving your life. Take time for yourself, try to understand your feelings and don't be afraid to ask for help. A psychotherapist is not a "savior", but your partner on the way to inner freedom.
The famous poet John Milton in the book "Paradise Lost" writes: "The 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 Expo center!