Dear Parents: When Is It Time to Get Help?
Dear Parents,
You’ve read the Instagram quotes. You’ve heard the podcast experts. You’ve probably even tried all the 'self-care hacks.' And still, you’re wondering: Is this just parenting—or is something wrong with me?
You’re not weak. You’re not failing. You’re just human. And maybe, you’re carrying more than anyone can see.
At Phases Virginia, we talk to parents every day who ask, 'How do I know if I need therapy? When is it serious enough?' This blog is here to answer that question—with honesty, compassion, and clarity.
You’re Not Crazy—You’re Overloaded
Modern parenting demands more than ever before. And while it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times, prolonged stress can tip into anxiety, depression, or burnout. According to the American Psychological Association, over two-thirds of parents report emotional and physical exhaustion. These aren’t just 'hard seasons'—they’re warning signs.
When It’s Time to Consider Therapy
Therapy isn’t just for crises—it’s for clarity. Here are signs that therapy may be more helpful than another podcast or yoga class:
- You’re crying more than usual—or you feel emotionally numb.
- You’re short-tempered and constantly apologizing for your reactions.
- Everyday tasks feel overwhelming.
- Sleep is broken by worry or racing thoughts.
- You can’t feel joy—even during good moments.
- You feel stuck in loops of guilt, fear, or sadness.
According to the
National Alliance on Mental Illness, these can all be indicators of diagnosable mental health conditions that deserve professional attention.
When a Primary Care Visit Might Be First
If you're experiencing fatigue, brain fog, or physical symptoms like weight loss or hair thinning, it’s reasonable to start with your primary care doctor. Medical conditions like thyroid issues, vitamin deficiencies, or postpartum hormonal shifts can mimic mental health symptoms. But PCPs often lack the time or training to dig into emotional trauma or chronic stress patterns.
For more on this connection, visit the
Mayo Clinic’s resource on depression and medical illness
When Lifestyle Changes Might Be Enough (for Now)
If you’re feeling 'off' but still functional, consider focusing on consistent sleep, hydration, movement, and social support. These can stabilize early stress symptoms. Exercise, in particular, has been shown to improve mood and reduce anxiety. But if your distress continues after these changes—or keeps coming back—therapy is a better next step.
Source: Harvard Health on exercise as treatment for depression
What Therapy Can Actually Do for You
Therapy gives you a safe space to:
- Talk about things you can’t say anywhere else
- Get help identifying your emotions and what’s behind them
- Learn coping strategies that are sustainable
- Rebuild your identity beyond just being 'mom' or 'dad'
- Feel seen and supported without judgment
You’re Not Weak for Asking. You’re Wise.
We don't wait until a tooth is infected to see the dentist. We don’t wait until we’re out of gas to refill our car. Mental health deserves the same care.
You don’t need to hit rock bottom to get support. You just need to feel ready to stop carrying it all alone.
Get the Support You Deserve
At Phases Virginia, our licensed therapists offer secure online therapy for parents across the state. We specialize in parental burnout, anxiety, postpartum transitions, and more. We offer superbills for insurance reimbursement and flexible scheduling—so you can finally put yourself on the calendar too.
👉 Schedule today and get the support you’ve been putting off.