Living with a mental health issue can be very difficult and overwhelming, leaving you feeling alone and uncertain of where to turn. Unfortunately, countless people in Texas and around the world are affected by these conditions every single day. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for any of these issues, online counseling can provide an alternative support system that can help individuals manage their symptoms more effectively.

More and more people are turning to online counseling like that provided by Best Self Therapy to address their mental health needs, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, as well as provide LGBTQ+ support for those communities. With modern technological advances, it is now easier than ever for people to get the help they need from the comfort of their own homes. In the following sections, we’d like to discuss a few of the mental health issues we address and the support systems we provide to those in need.

Depression 

Depression is a common mental health disorder affecting millions of people worldwide, yet unfortunately, it remains vastly misunderstood—it’s more than just feeling “down” or “sad.” Depression can be incredibly challenging to cope with, often leading to innumerable physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that can end up as life-threatening issues if left unaddressed. It can be difficult to know how best to support someone who is struggling with depression—or even how to seek help if you are struggling yourself. Luckily, online counseling services like Best Self Therapy strive daily to provide the assistance and support needed.

Symptoms of Depression

As mentioned previously, depression is much more than just feeling “down” or “sad.” According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), major depressive disorder is characterized by at least five of the following symptoms lasting for at least two weeks:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain/loss
• Depressed mood
• Insomnia/oversleeping
• Psychomotor agitation
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Difficulty focusing or making decisions
• Diminished interest or pleasure in activities
• And recurrent thoughts about death or suicide

If three or more of these symptoms are present for two weeks or longer, it may be time to seek professional help from a licensed counselor, such as those available through Best Self Therapy. 

How Online Counseling Can Help with Depression

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for depression, online counseling offers an accessible way for those who are struggling with depression to get the help they need without having to leave their homes or deal with the stigma of seeking out traditional in-person therapy. Our online counselors provide a safe and secure environment where people can share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. They are able to offer positive guidance, support, and practical advice so that individuals can work towards improving their overall well-being and succeeding in their fight against depression.

Anxiety 

Anxiety is a feeling of fear or worry that can be overwhelming for many. It can manifest itself in a variety of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that can make even simple day-to-day activities a struggle. Unfortunately, it’s even more common than we think, with an estimated 40 million American adults struggling with anxiety each year. Thankfully for those struggling with anxiety, there is help available through Best Self Therapy’s online counseling services.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety is a completely normal emotion that everyone experiences from time to time, but when it becomes persistent and all-encompassing, it can cause problems with everyday life activities. The symptoms of anxiety vary from person to person, but generally, people who struggle with these more severe levels of anxiety experience at least one of the following symptoms for a prolonged amount of time:

• Experiencing panic attacks
• Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
• Having intrusive thoughts or worries
• Feeling overwhelmed by their emotions

As well as the following symptoms when partaking in certain activities or thoughts:

• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Restlessness
• Muscle tension
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid heartbeat
• And rapid speech patterns

If any of these symptoms are present and persistent in your day-to-day life, then you should seek professional help as you are comfortable doing so.

How Online Counseling Can Help with Anxiety

At Best Self Therapy, we understand how difficult it can be to cope with the effects of anxiety on your daily life. That’s why we offer online counseling services tailored specifically for people who struggle with anxiety disorders. Our licensed therapists provide empathetic guidance and support while also offering strategies for managing stress levels and working through fears associated with anxiety disorder. 

Through virtual therapy sessions, you will learn deep breathing techniques for calming the body down during a panic attack, as well as cognitive behavioral strategies for dealing with intrusive thoughts related to the condition. We also offer lifestyle advice on managing diet and exercise, which has been shown to be beneficial for reducing stress levels over time.

PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex and debilitating mental health disorder that the American Psychiatric Association defines as “an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened.” When someone experiences a traumatic event such as a near-death experience or any form of abuse, they may have difficulty processing their emotions related to it and feel overwhelmed by fear and panic. This fear can be so intense that it actually disrupts their ability to process the trauma effectively.

It is estimated that about 8 million people in the United States are living with PTSD at any given time. Fortunately, treatments are available to help those who suffer from this diagnosis. Best Self Therapy’s licensed counselors and accredited therapists are dedicated to providing online counseling services to help treat this disorder.

Symptoms of PTSD

The symptoms of PTSD can differ from person to person. However, the most common symptoms of PTSD include the following:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Feeling isolated from others
• Suicidal thoughts or behavior
• Nightmares or difficulties sleeping
• Feelings of guilt and shame about the event
• Hyper-vigilance or extreme states of alertness
• Intrusive memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event
• Becoming enraged easily over seemingly insignificant things
• Avoidance of people, places, or things that remind them of their trauma

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms of PTSD, it’s essential to speak to a licensed and accredited counselor as soon as possible.

How Online Counseling Can Help with PTSD

Our online counseling provides a safe space for individuals who have PTSD to talk about their experiences without fear or stigma associated with traditional forms of therapy or talking face-to-face with someone about such sensitive topics. At Best Self Therapy, our goal is to provide quality treatment for anyone who needs it—no matter their schedule or whether they live in Texas or beyond!

Our counselors and therapists specialize in treating individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder using evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). We understand that everyone processes trauma differently, and we tailor our approach to each individual’s needs in order to help them heal from the pain of their past traumas and learn coping skills for managing future ones.

LGBTQ+ Support 

As a society, we are growing in our long-overdue acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. However, too many people—children, teens, and adults alike—face immense discrimination and are struggling to find their place in the world. Here at Best Self Therapy, we want to help anyone who needs it to find support and understanding regardless of their sexuality or gender identity. We offer online counseling for members of the LGBTQ+ community that is provided by licensed and accredited counselors.

Why You May Need LGBTQ+ Support

Unfortunately, due to discrimination in society today, some individuals feel isolated or judged based on their identity. This can lead them to seek out support from an outside source such as a counselor or therapist. Research has found that individuals from the LGBTQ+ community have an increased risk for mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, due to stress which results from facing societal and day-to-day prejudices. 

Conversely, similar studies have also overwhelmingly shown that social acceptance, empathetic family and friends, and counselor support drastically mitigate that increased risk for mental health issues! That’s why it is essential for those feeling this way to seek professional help if their support network hasn’t provided adequate care or they lack a support network altogether.

How Online Counseling Provides LGBTQ+ Support

No matter what your gender identity or sexual orientation is, everyone deserves respect and understanding. This is why we at Best Self Therapy strive to provide quality counseling services tailored specifically towards members of the LGBTQ+ community so that no one ever has to feel alone during those lonely moments when they might need the extra support most!

Online counseling provides an invaluable resource for members of the LGBTQ+ community who may not feel comfortable discussing issues related to gender identity or sexuality in an open setting due to fear of judgment or discrimination. In addition, the privacy provided by online counseling allows those in need access to qualified professionals who understand their unique challenges, including coming-out struggles and navigating hostile environments, while staying true to themselves and their identities.

Through empathetic listening combined with evidence-based therapeutic methods like cognitive behavioral therapy, online counselors provide much-needed support for LGBTQ+ individuals so they can live authentically within their communities without fear or shame surrounding their identities.  

Other Issues Best Self Therapy Can Address

Our online counseling services provide help for those who are suffering from a range of mental health or life issues like those we discussed above, as well as coping with cancer, anger management, self-esteem issues, parenting issues, and caregiver burnout.

Coping with Cancer 

Cancer is an incredibly difficult journey to embark on. It can be emotionally draining and physically exhausting. When it comes to dealing with cancer mentally, it is essential to know that you are not alone. Having supportive people around you is vital in helping you cope with the emotional toll of having cancer or caring for someone with cancer. Our online counselors can help you process your emotions surrounding your diagnosis or the diagnosis of a loved one by providing support during this difficult time. 

Anger Management 

Anger is a natural emotion we all experience at some point in our lives. But when anger becomes too intense or uncontrollable, it can lead to physical aggression or outbursts of frustration, which can have serious personal and professional consequences. Our online counselors can provide help in recognizing triggers that lead to anger so that you can learn how to manage your anger better. They will also offer practical strategies for managing your emotions before they become too overwhelming. 

Self-Esteem Issues 

Low self-esteem can sometimes make life unbearable and limit our ability to reach our full potential because we don’t believe in ourselves enough to try new things or take risks. If you have been struggling with low self-esteem for some time now, our online counselors are here to help! They will work closely with you to identify underlying causes of low self-esteem and develop targeted strategies tailored specifically for you in order to help boost your self-confidence and foster positive thinking patterns.    

Parenting Issues & Caregiver Burnout 

Being a parent or caregiver can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its own set of challenges! From dealing with tantrums and meltdowns to trying to find a balance between work and home life—parenting is hard work! If you are feeling overwhelmed by the demands of being a parent or caregiver, then our online counselors offer specialized support for those going through these types of issues. They will provide valuable insight into how best to manage stressors associated with parenting and caregiving while providing a safe space where feelings can be heard without judgment.

Be Who You Are Meant to Be—Choose Best Self Therapy

The journey of healing isn’t always easy, and it takes a great deal of courage and strength to take that first step. If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or issues related to their LGBTQ+ identity, please know that our online counseling services—based in Texas— can provide the tools, guidance, and support needed to help those in need along their journey. Our team of dedicated mental health professionals is here for you and waiting to hear from you. We also are pleased to provide bilingual sessions! Do not hesitate to seek help today—together, we can work towards living life more fully!