February 17, 2025
Why I Needed a Psychologist
I never thought I’d be the one to see a psychologist. That was for other people, right? People who had been through major trauma, who couldn’t get out of bed in the morning, or who were dealing with things far worse than me.
But here’s the thing—stress doesn’t have to be extreme to take its toll. It builds up over time, quietly, until one day, you realise you’re not coping as well as you used to. That’s exactly what happened to me.
Trying to Do It All
Like so many Australians, my life is a constant juggle. Full-time work, family commitments, financial stress, keeping up with friendships, trying to stay healthy—it never stops. My days were packed from the moment I woke up to the second my head hit the pillow. And even then, sleep wasn’t always guaranteed.
I prided myself on being able to handle it all. If I just worked a little harder, planned a little better, things would get easier—right? Except they didn’t.
The Signs I Was Struggling
At first, it was little things. I was more irritable with my partner and kids. My patience was thin. I’d snap over things that wouldn’t usually bother me.
Then came the exhaustion. No matter how much I slept, I was always tired. I stopped enjoying the things I used to love—catching up with friends felt like a chore, and even the gym (which used to be my escape) felt like too much effort.
Worst of all, I started feeling like a failure. No matter how much I was doing, it never felt like enough. I was constantly anxious about money, about whether I was being a good parent, a good partner, a good employee. The pressure was relentless, and I had no idea how to switch it off.
Reaching Out for Help
I kept telling myself I’d be fine. That I just needed a break, or that things would settle down soon. But they didn’t. If anything, they got worse.
One day, a close friend asked me how I was really doing. Not the “I’m fine” answer, but the real answer. And when I started talking, I realised I wasn’t fine.
That conversation was the push I needed. I booked an appointment with a psychologist at Beachside Psychology, feeling both relieved and embarrassed at the same time.
What I Learned in Therapy
I expected my psychologist to tell me what to do—how to fix everything, how to make life easier. But that’s not what happened. Instead, I learned:
- I wasn’t alone. So many people feel this way but don’t talk about it.
- Stress and anxiety don’t just go away. If you ignore them, they get worse.
- It’s okay to ask for help. Seeking support doesn’t mean you’re weak.
- Small changes make a difference. Setting boundaries, making time for myself, and recognising my limits helped more than I expected.
Life Is Still Busy, But It’s Better
I won’t pretend therapy magically fixed everything overnight. My job is still demanding. Bills still need to be paid. Parenting is still full-on. But now, I have the tools to manage it better. I know how to recognise when I’m struggling, and I have strategies to help.
Most importantly, I no longer feel guilty for taking care of myself. Because when I look after my mental health, I’m a better partner, parent, and person overall.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or like you’re just barely keeping your head above water—you’re not alone. And you don’t have to do it on your own. Talking to a psychologist at Beachside Psychology was one of the best decisions I ever made. Maybe it could help you too.
