Seeking help is a brave first step.

It’s easy to get caught up in self-criticism, shame or thoughts that you should be on your own. Maybe you’re worried about being judged, don’t know where to turn – or have past experiences that made it hard to trust professional care.

But you are not alone. And you don’t have to have ‘something seriously wrong’ to get support. Getting better doesn’t always require big changes. Sometimes it is enough to dare to say: ‘I would like to talk to someone.

Common barriers to starting therapy.

Fear of being judged.

The fear of being seen as “weak” or different can make it hard to seek help, even though mental health challenges are common and part of being human.

Not knowing what therapy actually is.

Many people haven’t been taught what therapy really involves or that effective help is available. It can be unclear where or how to begin.

Shame and tough inner criticism.

Thoughts like “I should be able to handle this on my own” or “I don’t want to be a burden” are common, but these thoughts might actually be part of what you need help with.

Worries about cost and time.

Not everyone has the financial means or time to attend therapy, and that’s completely understandable. But there are options. In some regions, therapy is subsidized through local health centers, and video sessions make it easier to access support on your terms.

In addition, we have launched an initiative called Meela Give Back. Every month, we support one person with 5 free therapy sessions, fully paid for by Meela. Read more about the Meela Give Back programme and sign up here.

Fear of change.

Seeking help can be scary, because what if it actually changes something? Uncertainty about change is a common barrier to entering therapy. But this is where therapy can make a difference: it can help you understand yourself better, put your feelings into words and feel better in your everyday life.

Past negative experiences.

Have you had a bad experience with healthcare before? You’re not alone. Many people feel hesitant after not being listened to, taken seriously, or properly supported. That’s completely valid. But good support does exist and you deserve to be treated with respect, empathy, and care.

Language and culture as a barrier.

It can be difficult to find a therapist who understands you – your background, your language, or your culture. If you are not a native speaker of Swedish, or if you come from a different cultural context, it can feel particularly challenging to seek help. Perhaps you find it difficult to find information in a language you understand, or worry about not being understood in depth.

That’s exactly why Meela exists. We’ll help you find a therapist who is truly right for you – based on language, culture, experience and your unique needs. To make you feel safe and supported on your terms.

Struggling to accept how you’re feeling.

Anxiety, depression, and exhaustion often creep in gradually. Many people don’t realize how overwhelmed they are until it starts affecting their daily life.

How to take the step toward therapy.

Feeling mentally unwell is unfortunately common, but many hesitate to seek help. It’s easy to feel uncertain, but the first step toward feeling better is to talk to the right person. There are many effective treatments for anxiety, depression, and stress and seeking help can give you the tools you need to manage your emotions.

You are not alone, and it’s okay to ask for help. Through therapy, you can receive support and understanding for your challenges. A therapist can help you identify what affects your well-being and how you can start feeling better.

If you’re considering seeking help, don’t hesitate to take the first step. It may be difficult, but it can also be an important step toward feeling well again.

Is therapy right for you? Take our free self-assessment test.

Wondering if talking to a therapist could help with your mental health, stress, or anxiety? This quick therapy self-assessment includes 8 simple questions designed to help you understand whether therapy might be the right step for you. It only takes a couple of minutes to complete and gives you insights into your emotional well-being.

Take the therapy test here.

Tips and resources for seeking help.

Here are some tips and resources that might be helpful:

• Talk to a friend or family member if you’re thinking about seeking help.
• Read more about different types of psychotherapy and what they can help with.
• Contact your doctor to get a referral to a psychologist or psychotherapist.
• Call 1177 Vårdguiden (Swedish healthcare guide) for information or advice about mental health.
• Visit Mind (a Swedish organization offering mental health support).