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Mental health expert answers 5 most Googled questions about therapy
Many of us turn straight to Google whenever we have a burning question. Looking for answers online avoids the potential perceived embarrassment of having to ask someone a question directly, but not everything you read online is accurate.
Myths abound, whether theyre about people experiencing mental health crises, or health in a more general sense. Fortunately, data is available about how many people are typing certain search phrases into Google. This means we can identify the most common queries people have, and answer them correctly. Where health and mental health are concerned, this is vital to limit the spread of believable untruths.
Why its so important for accurate information about mental health to be available online
Dr Michael Olla is the medical director of Valley Spring Recovery Center. He specializes in addiction treatment and is licensed to practice in New York and New Jersey.
He trained in Miami, then at the Ross University School of Medicine.�
Many people have questions about mental illness, some of which they may feel embarrassed to ask face to face, he says. This is why they turn to the Internet, and search engines like Google.
But, he cautions, answers on the Web arent always accurate. Hear, hear.�
In 2022, healthcare website�PlushCare�studied 500 mental health TikTok videos to assess TikTokers’ risk of exposure to misinformation. 84% of the videos in their study contained misinformation, according to PR Week.
“While 54% of videos did contain accurate information, the�report�also found that about 14.2% are so misleading that they could be potentially damaging, like suggesting certain medications without talking to a doctor.”
Besides the five most Googled questions detailed below, Dr Olla notes that a lot of people searching the Internet for answers are interested in what they should discuss during therapy. �
In therapy, he says, you can talk about your emotions, challenges in your relationships, life transitions youre going through, stress and coping strategies, mental health symptoms like anxiety or depression, personal goals, and any troubling thoughts or behaviors.
The conversation should be tailored to your specific needs and goals, providing a safe space to explore deep-seated feelings and seek solutions.
Mental health expert answers top 5 most Googled questions people have about therapy
1. What is mental health?
With by far the highest search volume, the simple question, What is mental health? is the most searched query about mental health. This isnt very surprising.
Dr Ollas answer is that mental health isn’t limited to just mental illness. It’s our overall psychological well-being, affecting how we think, feel, and act. It includes how we handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Good mental health means being able to function in daily life and coping with challenges. It’s influenced by biological factors, life experiences, and our environment.
2. What is psychotherapy?
The process typically involves discussing issues openly with a therapist who offers support, guidance, and insight, he says.
His organization adds that the word psychotherapy is synonymous with talk therapy. Its a type of medical treatment, which aims to eliminate or control troubling symptoms so a person can function better and increase their well-being and healing.
3. How much does therapy cost?
This varies, depending on the therapists qualifications, location, and the type of therapy. It might be between $75 and $150 per session, though rates can be higher in larger cities or for specialists, potentially exceeding $200 per session.
Not all health insurance providers cover mental health costs, but some therapists offer a sliding-scale fee based on income, to make their services more accessible.
4. How to improve mental health?
Valley Spring emphasizes regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, and sleeping enough.
Dr Olla says, Social connections are also important, as they help prevent loneliness or isolation while practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques such as meditation can help maintain calm and manage stress.
5. What are the key signs of stress affecting mental health?
Common signs that stress is impacting your mental health include:
- Having a constant feeling of being overwhelmed.
- Worrying persistently.
- Noticing changes in your sleep patterns.
- Spotting changes in your appetite and/or weight that cant be attributed to something else.
Recognizing these signs early and taking steps to decrease your stress levels is the best way to make sure you nip any stress-related mental health issues in the bud, Dr Olla says.
