These days, it is hard to find our way in the world without stopping to catch a breath and realizing that sometimes, we just can't do everything on our own. We often need help in the form of counseling or therapy to get past our anxieties and angst in order to live a fulfilled and contented life. Losing jobs, homes and credit ratings can make people do unthinkable things. Anger and grief build up, couples break up and families are torn apart. But there is help available. Psychotherapy can be the one thing that brings people back together again as long as it is approached in an optimistic, realistic manner. These professionals are trained to work with many different kinds of problems and can often eliminate the need for taking prescription anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medicines. There are more people suffering with depression and anxiety today than there were during the Great Depression. People are afraid of losing their jobs and if they do get laid off, they are very pessimistic about finding another job. Although there are those who have managed to put money away in savings that were not hit hard by the recession, most people are living paycheck to paycheck. Vacations have taken a back seat to staying at home and paying bills. Buying new clothes for Spring has turned into adventures in buying at the local thrift stores. Summer Camp has gone by the wayside for the kids. These are hard times. And a lot of us can not wrap our minds around the situation without feeling as if a wet blanket has been dropped over our heads. Therapists, on the other hand, along with psychiatrists and social workers are finding that there is a boom in their business. Most insurance programs pay for basic therapy, which makes it affordable for almost everyone. To be able to talk about problems with money, jobs, kids, family and other problems which may arise during this critical time is important in keeping one's sanity. Help is available. Don't feel you have to go it alone. Qualified therapists are in almost every city and can offer help by suggesting ways to cope. It is also very helpful to talk to someone who can offer third party counseling based on ideas that really work. "Cognitive" therapy is very popular because it is a teaching method that helps you to help yourself. By teaching you ways to cope with various situations, your mental (and physical) state can improve drastically. Help in the form of therapy does not have the stigma it once had many years ago. In fact, some think it is quite "chic" to have a therapist. But what it all comes down to is getting the help you need when you need it. Before you become so depressed that you have a complete breakdown, it is imperative to find a professional to talk to about your problems. Interview several over the phone before making a decision and make sure you keep your appointment. It may be the best thing you have done for yourself in a long time. For more information on getting therapy, visit and