In today’s post-COVID world, mental health has become somewhat of a trend. In our current society, it has become more difficult to care for oneself mentally, physically, and emotionally; many people find themselves ‘just getting by’. As a mental health clinician, I often hear clients confide that they feel like they are “just living to work” or have lost value in their day-to-day life. I applaud my clients who admit this because it requires strength to acknowledge when you’re struggling; however, how many people suffer in silence?
The fear of ‘grippy socks,’ as it trends today on TikTok, has instilled a fear in many people that mentioning these struggles to anyone, let alone a therapist, will result in hospital admission. I would like to take this opportunity to not only educate but also encourage anyone with this fear.
As licensed therapists, we have a legal obligation to report any intended harm to oneself or another person. We are trained to assess each situation individually and treat each client appropriately. If a client tells me, “It’s just hard for me to find reason in my life anymore,” but this person has no intent to harm themselves, there’s no need to fear ‘grippy socks.’ Instead, let’s work together on finding your purpose again.
One of the most important aspects of therapy is feeling comfortable with your clinician. Being vulnerable is difficult, especially if this is your first time in therapy. I encourage everyone: don’t be afraid to lay it all out on the table. Your therapist cannot help you heal if you’re not honest about where and how you’re hurting. Therapy provides a safe and non-judgmental space for you to be your true self and address all internal and external issues. Utilize your voice to advocate for yourself and address your concerns. Whether you have a fear of ‘grippy socks’ or not, addressing your mental health concerns is extremely important. I encourage you today: talk to a therapist, even if it’s for the first time!
Written by: Sierra Sturghill, LPC
