Why (oh why) do Americans feel that "therapy" is the solution to everything?

Question

No deliberate offense intended, but it seems to me as though people in America feel they need a psychiatrist for everything. Can't you people be like the rest of us and either figure things out for yourselves or just get over it??

Okay, maybe I've been slightly unclear on what I feel is "everything". Here are some examples:

School Bullying.
Unless violent rape or massive bodily harm occur at the hands of bullies, you do not need therapy. What you do need is to stop being such a ***** (maybe that's why you were bullied in the first place).

Marriage Therapy.
If you are unable to sort things out yourself and feel that seeking the advice of a stranger is your best option, your marriage is already over.

Start thinking and take responsibility for yourselves people!

By the way, the censored word above is
p.u.s.s.y

Answer 1

Because most Americans are stupid, yes I am an American. They think Big SUVs will keep them safe on the road, but what they fail to realize is when everyone drives them the same thing happens in a wreak as with small cars just on a bigger scale. So the soccer moms drive around alone or with there only kid in there big 8 seat Tahoes burning up the worlds gas. These people disgust me and those are the people you are referring to makes me want to move to another country.

Answer 2

school bullying and marital counseling are two EXTREMELY important uses of therapy

someone who is bullied is extremely likely to become depressed, anxious, withdrawn, and angry. They are less likely to enjoy school and they are less likely to do well in school. All of these things have very long-term effects on one's mental AND physical health. If therapy can help, why not pursue it?

And marital/family therapy is also incredibly helpful. There are some problems that people aren't able to resolve on their own. When this is the case, it's much more helpful to try to DO something about the problems than to just sit by while things slowly deteriorate more and more.

I do agree, however, that there ARE too many people in therapy in the US. At some point, everyone does have to get over things and at the end of the day, we're all alone with ourselves and have to learn to rely on ourselves for our own answers and solutions. Depression is a real and devastating disorder, but at the same time, it is normal to feel down and it's not necessary to see a therapist any time that things get difficult. Additionally, I do think that people have unrealistic expectations that they will go to therapy and that everything will be better. That's not true. Even with years of therapy, a person will still feel the normal range of human emotions which include healthy amounts of depression and anxiety - it's not possible to run away from those emotions all-together.

But there is a place for therapy and it is helpful. Of course, no one should have to go to therapy but if a person does believe that they would benefit from it, I believe it's great if they are willing to seriously pursue it.

Answer 3

I enjoy the couch and the lazy bum who asks me "And how does that make you feel?"....

Seriously though, some people just either don't get over things as well as others do and need help getting over things, ad other people no one wants to help and therefore therapy seems like a good answer. I have my days where I wish I had someone to listen to all my problems and then solve them for me... but I don't. Not even my friends help me out most of the time.... But I'm on your side, therapy is not always the answer, doctors today just feel the need to diagnose everything and give a pill for everything... even when its not needed.

Answer 4

Maybe you are one of the fortunate individuals who doesn't need therapy. I am sure one reason people seek therapy is due to lack of a support system or maybe they just need to talk to someone who will help them find healthy ways to deal with situations in their life. Therapy does not necessarily mean a psychiatrist. There are many different ways of receiving therapy. What about group therapy, play therapy, music therapy, etc.? I believe you have fallen into the big stereotype trap about the westerners. Why do you believe this about Americans anyways? And as far as just getting over it that just doesn't happen in the real world.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

Unfortunatly the US has gone crazy not only on therapy but making up things to treat and this is curtesy of the government, drug companies and psychiatrists and unfortunatly many people there follow.

In many US schools the children are now tested for every mental health issue ever created by shrinks. They are then prescribed psychiatric drugs and if the child doesnt want to take the drugs they are taken away, institutionilised and drugged. The children dont have anything wrong with them. 80% are drugged in many US schools. Link below.

Its mind control and not therapy

Answer 7

Well, I think you are exaggerating when you say all Americans feel that therapy is the solution to "everything." I happen to know plenty of Americans who definitely do not think this. Some people *really* do need therapy and it really does help some people sometimes. But, it is certainly not for everyone.

I think you're over-simplifying the situation.

Answer 8

omg, i think that same exact thing!!!!!! but, i am american. when ever i see peopel answer a questrion saying, see a theraoist, what cmes to mind is "stupid!!!!" you dont need a therapist for everythign, adn to figure it out on your own or with friends is better!

but i am american, and although tons of people just say "see a therapist" not all americans are liek that.

be a little more open minded when looking at a race of people, not so judgemental...

oh yeah, and i dont know about you, but whenever some one answeres a quesrtion liek that, i just think that they dont know what to say back...they really dont have an answer.

ok, peace out.

Answer 9

Our pop psychology society has made us all "victims"- of everything including own choices. Our own choices are someone else's fault.

Answer 10

Don't knock it! Some day you may need therapy. For the person that is truly desperate, it works wonders.