Interpreting Hospital Gown Dreams: What Do They Mean?

As we close our eyes at night and enter the mysterious world of dreams, our subconscious speaks to us in symbols and metaphors. Among the many dream images that often perplex and intrigue us, hospital gowns hold a unique and powerful significance. As we explore the symbolism of hospital gowns in dreams, we may discover hidden truths about our deepest fears, desires, and aspirations. Understanding the messages our dreams are trying to convey can be a transformative experience, shedding light on our lives in profound and unexpected ways. So, let’s delve into the mysterious world of hospital gown dream meanings and discover what they might reveal about ourselves and our existence.

Symbolism of Hospital Gowns in Dreams

The symbolism of hospital gowns in dreams can be quite perplexing. Hospital gowns are often associated with vulnerable and uncomfortable situations, so it’s not surprising that these dreams can evoke complex emotions. In order to understand the meaning behind hospital gown dreams, it’s important to examine the various symbolisms at play, including the significance of hospitals in dreams and the meaning of clothing in dreams. By exploring these symbols, we can gain a deeper understanding of what hospital gown dreams may represent in our waking lives. So let’s delve into this topic, and try to make sense of what’s behind the symbolic representation of a hospital gown in a dream.

If you’re interested in other dream interpretations, check out our articles on sunlight beaming through the window dreams, the girl song dreams, and one can always dream, to name a few.

The Significance of Hospitals in Dreams

In dreams, hospitals often evoke feelings of fear and uncertainty. They can symbolize a place of healing, but also a place of illness and potential danger. Hospitals are associated with physical health, but can also represent emotional and mental well-being. Interpreting the significance of hospitals in dreams can depend on the context of the dreamer’s experiences and feelings towards hospitals in waking life.

Here are some possible meanings of hospitals in dreams:

• Place of Healing: Hospitals are often associated with physical healing. Dreaming of a hospital can indicate a need for physical healing or a desire for more attention towards one’s health. The dreamer may need to take better care of themselves and focus on well-being.
• Place of Illness: On the other hand, a hospital can represent illness or a feeling of being unwell. The dreamer may have some underlying health concerns that need to be addressed. A hospital may also symbolize emotional and mental health. The dreamer may be going through a rough emotional or mental patch and may need some extra support.
• Feeling Vulnerable: Hospitals can represent vulnerability. The dreamer may feel exposed and uncomfortable in an unfamiliar hospital environment. This can relate to any kind of vulnerability in waking life, not just related to health. For example, the dreamer may feel vulnerable in a new relationship or job.
• Loss of Control: Hospitals can also symbolize a fear of losing control. The dreamer may feel like their life is out of control and they need help to regain some structure. This can also be related to feeling helpless in a particular situation.
• Transition: Finally, hospitals can represent a transition between life stages. This can range from something like a surgery or medical treatment to bigger life changes such as the birth of a child or loss of a loved one. The dreamer may be anxious about the uncertainty of the future.

While understanding the symbol of hospitals in dreams is important, it is equally significant to take into account the dreamer’s personal experiences and feelings towards hospitals. The symbolism can vary based on cultural context and personal beliefs about hospitals. Dreams are often deeply personal, and therefore require a personalized approach to interpretation.

The Meaning of Clothing in Dreams

In dreams, clothing can be a powerful symbol that can provide insight into the dreamer’s inner thoughts and emotions. Clothing represents the outer layer of oneself, the way others see them, and the image they project to the world. Depending on the type of clothing and the context in which it appears, clothing in dreams can have various meanings.

According to dream interpretation experts, the clothing in a dream can signify the dreamer’s self-expression, social status, personality, or feelings. For instance, wearing a uniform in a dream can signify a desire for conformity or a need to feel part of a group, while wearing formal clothing can suggest a need for professionalism or an important event.

Additionally, the clothing in a dream can also be a representation of the dreamer’s emotions. The colors, texture, and fit of the clothing can symbolize various emotions, such as happiness, comfort, confidence, or insecurity. For example, wearing tight-fitting clothing in a dream can represent feeling trapped, while loose-fitting clothing can show liberation and freedom.

Understanding the symbolism of clothing in dreams can help decipher the meaning behind hospital gown dreams. A hospital gown can represent the dreamer’s vulnerability, exposure, and the need for care, as it is an item of clothing that exposes the body and is often associated with medical procedures and illness.

It’s worth noting that the interpretation of clothing in dreams can vary depending on cultural and personal associations. For instance, in Hindu astrology, wearing torn or dirty clothes in a dream can signify economic prosperity, while in Western cultures, it can suggest poverty and insecurity.

In conclusion, clothing in dreams can symbolize various aspects of the dreamer’s personality, emotions, and social status, and understanding its context and symbolism can help interpret the meaning behind the dream and provide insight into the dreamer’s inner world.

What a Hospital Gown Represents in Dreams

In dreams, a hospital gown can represent a variety of symbolic meanings and interpretations. Here are some of the possible interpretations of what a hospital gown can represent in dreams:

• Vulnerability: Wearing a hospital gown in a dream can signify a need for vulnerability and openness. It can represent a feeling of being exposed or helpless, which could suggest that the dreamer needs to let go of their defenses and allow themselves to be more vulnerable in their waking life.
• Illness or Injury: A hospital gown in a dream may represent a fear of illness or injury. It could suggest that the dreamer is worried about their health, or it may be a reflection of an actual health issue that they are facing.
• Lack of Control: The hospital gown in a dream can also symbolize a lack of control in some aspect of the dreamer’s life. It may suggest that they feel powerless or helpless in a particular situation, or that they are struggling to assert control over their circumstances.
• Transition or Change: Another possible interpretation of a hospital gown in a dream is that it represents a transition or change. A hospital is often a place of healing and transformation, so a hospital gown may be seen as a symbol of a new beginning or a fresh start.

It is important to note that the meaning of a hospital gown in a dream can vary depending on the specific details and context of the dream. For example, seeing someone else in a hospital gown may have a different interpretation than wearing one oneself. By examining the individual components of a dream and considering them as a whole, it is possible to gain a better understanding of what the dream may be trying to communicate.

If you are interested in exploring more dream symbolism, you may want to consider checking out some of our other dream interpretation articles, such as “The Spiritual Meaning of Back Pain” or “Cliff Dream Meaning and Interpretations.”

Common Hospital Gown Dream Scenarios

As we delve deeper into the interpretation of hospital gown dreams, it’s important to explore the common scenarios associated with these dreams. When we dream about hospital gowns, there are several possible situations that we might find ourselves in. These scenarios offer unique insights into the message our subconscious is trying to convey to us. We may find ourselves wearing a hospital gown, seeing someone else in one, or even trying to escape from a hospital setting. Let’s explore some of these scenarios and what they could mean for our lives. Perhaps, after understanding this, we can find some clarity in our hospital gown dreams.

Wearing a Hospital Gown in a Dream

Dreams about wearing a hospital gown are quite common, and they can be quite perplexing. The following are some possible interpretations of such dreams:

• Exposed vulnerability: Wearing a hospital gown in a dream could represent a feeling of exposed vulnerability due to being seen in a state of undress.
• Health concerns: It could be that something is bothering you in your waking life, and that is being reflected in your dreams. Consider going for a check-up to rule out any health concerns.
• A need for nurturing: Wearing a hospital gown could also represent a desire to be taken care of and nurtured, either physically or emotionally. This could be a sign that you need to take some time off from your daily routine and take care of yourself better.
• Fear of losing control: Wearing a hospital gown could signify a fear of losing control over your life, as wearing this often means being subjected to treatments and procedures one cannot control.
• A spiritual awakening: Wearing a hospital gown in a dream could also be a sign of a spiritual awakening or a desire to let go of accumulated negative energy in your waking life. Consider reading about the spiritual meaning of lighthouses and incorporating some spiritual practices in your daily routine.

It is important to consider the specific details of the dream, as they can provide further insight into its meaning. For example, if you dream about wearing a hospital gown while eating yogurt, it could suggest a need for digestive care and nourishment. Alternatively, if you dream about wearing a hospital gown while also seeing someone overweight, the dream could point to concerns about your weight and overall health.

Dreams about wearing hospital gowns could also be influenced by one’s cultural and personal symbolism, so it is essential to look at these factors too while interpreting the dream.

Seeing Someone Else in a Hospital Gown in a Dream

It is not uncommon to dream about seeing someone else in a hospital gown. This scenario can often leave you feeling perplexed and confused about what it might mean. Here are some possible interpretations:

A Reflection of Your Own Concerns: Seeing someone else in a hospital gown in your dream might be a reflection of your own concerns about their health or wellbeing. It could be someone you know in real life or a fictional character. This dream scenario might indicate that you are worried about their physical or emotional health.

A Depiction of Your Beliefs About Health and Illness: Alternatively, seeing someone else in a hospital gown might represent your beliefs about health and illness. You might associate hospitals with sickness or disease and have fear or anxiety about your own or others’ wellbeing.

A Sign of Helplessness: Seeing someone else wearing a hospital gown in a dream could symbolize your feelings of helplessness or powerlessness. You might feel that you are not able to offer enough support and care to the person in the hospital gown.

A Representation of Your Relationship with the Person: The person in the hospital gown could be someone you have a close relationship with in real life. The dream might illustrate issues within the relationship or an imbalance of power.

It is important to note that the interpretation of this dream scenario might vary depending on the specific details of the dream. Consider the context and how you felt during the dream to help shed light on its meaning.

Being in a Hospital Room in a Dream

One of the most common hospital gown dream scenarios is finding yourself in a hospital room. This dream can be a bit perplexing, especially if you do not have any current health issues. However, it could be a symbol of something deeper that your subconscious is trying to convey.

| Symbol | Interpretation |
| — | — |
| Hospital Room | A sense of confinement, a need for rest and recovery |
| Medical Equipment | Symbolizes the need for healing and care |
| Illness | A sign of something that needs attention, whether it be physical or emotional |
| Staff | Represents the need for guidance and support |

Being in a hospital room in a dream can symbolize a sense of confinement and the need for rest and recovery. You may feel as though you are currently overwhelmed with life’s stresses, and your mind is telling you to take a break to recuperate. This dream can be telling you to take some time for yourself, whether it be a mental health day from work or a personal retreat to recharge your batteries.

The presence of medical equipment in the dream can symbolize the need for healing and care. This imagery could be trying to convey to the dreamer that they should prioritize their health and seek medical attention if necessary. It could also represent the need for the dreamer to take care of themselves in a more holistic manner by getting more sleep, eating healthier, and exercising regularly.

Illness in a dream can represent something that needs attention, whether it be physical or emotional. This dream scenario could be a sign that the dreamer is not addressing an issue that needs attention in their waking life. It could be related to their physical health, such as an undiagnosed illness, or emotional health, such as repressed emotions that need to be processed.

The staff in the hospital room could represent the need for guidance and support. This dream could be a message to the dreamer that they need to reach out for help from trusted individuals in their life. Whether it be a friend, family member, or therapist, they may need to ask for guidance and support to navigate a difficult situation.

Being in a hospital room in a dream can be interpreted in a variety of ways. By paying attention to the symbols within the dream, the dreamer can gain insight into their subconscious and identify any hidden messages they may need to uncover.

Escaping a Hospital Setting in a Dream

In some hospital gown dreams, the dreamer may find themselves trying to escape a hospital setting. This can be a confusing and overwhelming experience, as the hospital typically represents a place of healing and safety. However, there may be a sense of urgency or discomfort associated with the hospital gown or the setting that leads the dreamer to want to leave.

There are a few possible interpretations of this type of dream. It’s important to note that each individual’s experience and feelings in the dream are unique and should be taken into consideration when interpreting the dream.

Feelings of Discomfort and Anxiety

One possibility is that the dreamer is experiencing feelings of discomfort or anxiety in a current situation in their waking life. The hospital setting may represent a source of stress that they are looking to escape from. The hospital gown may symbolize a sense of vulnerability or exposure, indicating that the dreamer may feel exposed or vulnerable in this current situation.

Feeling Trapped or Restricted

Another interpretation could be that the dreamer feels trapped or restricted in their current situation. The hospital setting, with its strict rules and regulations, may represent a feeling of being trapped in a situation with little control over their own life. The hospital gown may symbolize the loss of personal identity, as the hospital gown represents a uniform and anonymity.

A Desire for Freedom or Change

Finally, the dreamer may be seeking freedom or a desire for change in their life. The hospital setting may represent a sense of being stuck or stagnant in their current situation. The hospital gown may symbolize a desire for change or transformation, as the dreamer may be looking to shed their current identity and embrace something new.

Regardless of the interpretation, escaping a hospital setting in a dream can be a unsettling experience. It’s important to take note of any feelings or emotions that come up during the dream, as well as any specific details that may hold personal significance for the dreamer.

Interpretations of Hospital Gown Dreams

As we delve deeper into the meaning behind hospital gown dreams, it’s important to consider the various interpretations that can arise. These dreams can leave us feeling confused and vulnerable, prompting us to wonder about their significance and how to interpret them. With symbolism ranging from healing and renewal to fear and vulnerability, hospital gown dreams present a complex array of meanings that require further exploration. Let’s take a closer look at some of the possible interpretations of these dreams and what they may reveal about our inner fears, desires, and emotions.

Health and Healing

One of the most common interpretations of dreaming about hospital gowns is related to health and healing. A hospital gown may appear in a dream when you are going through a process of physical or emotional healing. The symbolism of the hospital gown in this context indicates that you are vulnerable and in need of care.

A hospital stay can be a challenging experience, both physically and emotionally. It can be associated with feelings of stress, anxiety, and fear of the unknown. However, if you dream about a hospital gown, it may be a sign that you are on the path to recovery and healing. This can also be related to a recent illness or injury that you have overcome.

The hospital gown may also serve as a symbol of acceptance, acknowledging that you need help and support to get better. It may be a sign that you are ready to take the steps necessary to improve your health and well-being.

In some cases, a hospital gown dream may signify a need to prioritize your health. Perhaps you have been neglecting your physical or emotional health and are now experiencing the consequences. The dream may be urging you to take better care of yourself, whether that means eating more healthily, exercising more regularly, or seeking medical or therapeutic support.

A hospital gown dream can be a potent symbol of healing, reminding you of your vulnerability and the need for self-care. It may also indicate that you have the strength and resilience to overcome difficult situations in your life.

Positive	Negative
– A symbol of acceptance	– Neglecting your health
– Signifies healing and recovery	– Experience of illness or injury
– Indicates a need for self-care	– Feelings of stress, anxiety, and fear

As with any dream interpretation, it is essential to consider the context and specific details of your dream when interpreting the symbolism of a hospital gown. While hospital gown dreams generally relate to health and healing, they can have different meanings depending on the circumstances of the dream.

A Need for Vulnerability

When dreaming of a hospital gown, one interpretation could be that it reflects a need for vulnerability. This can be seen in several ways, including:

1. Fear of vulnerability: Wearing a hospital gown could represent a fear of being vulnerable or exposed. In waking life, hospital gowns are often associated with sickness or injury, which can leave a person feeling vulnerable and helpless. This fear may be translated into one’s dream state, causing them to feel uneasy or anxious.

2. Desire to be vulnerable: On the other hand, wearing a hospital gown in a dream could also represent a desire to be vulnerable. In a time where many individuals strive to put up a façade of strength and independence, this dream could be a symbol of their desire to let their guard down and allow themselves to be vulnerable.

3. Need for emotional healing: Dreams involving hospital gowns could also be an indication of a need for emotional healing. Emotions, much like physical ailments, require time and care to heal properly. Wearing a hospital gown could represent the process of healing and the need for emotional vulnerability in order to heal fully.

4. Sign of personal growth: Lastly, the need for vulnerability could also be seen as a sign of personal growth. In order to grow and progress, individuals must often confront their fears and allow themselves to be vulnerable. The hospital gown may be a symbol of this process and a reminder that through vulnerability, personal growth and healing can be achieved.

The interpretation of a hospital gown dream may vary depending on the individual’s personal experiences and emotions. However, the need for vulnerability serves as a common thread throughout these interpretations.

A Fear of Losing Control

When it comes to hospital gown dreams, one possible interpretation is a fear of losing control. This fear could stem from a variety of situations in the dreamer’s waking life. Perhaps they are going through a difficult time or facing a stressful situation in which they feel they have no control over.

Alternatively, the fear of losing control could stem from a fear of vulnerability. Hospital gowns are often associated with vulnerability as they leave little to the imagination and can make the wearer feel exposed and powerless.

The following table illustrates possible signs that a hospital gown dream may reflect a fear of losing control:

Possible Signs of Fear of Losing Control	Example in a Hospital Gown Dream
Feeling helpless or powerless	The dreamer is unable to change out of the hospital gown despite their efforts.
Experiencing a loss of autonomy	The dreamer is forced to wear a hospital gown and obey the orders of medical professionals.
Feeling vulnerable or exposed	The dreamer is wearing a hospital gown in a public setting and feels embarrassed and exposed.
Fearing the unknown	The dreamer is unsure of their medical diagnosis or treatment plan and feels anxious and uncertain.

If a fear of losing control seems to be the main theme of the hospital gown dream, it may be helpful for the dreamer to reflect on their waking life and identify areas in which they feel they may be losing control. They may benefit from seeking support or finding ways to regain a sense of autonomy and empowerment.

Cleansing and Renewal

One interpretation of dreaming about a hospital gown involves the idea of cleansing and renewal. This symbolism can be related to the act of putting on a hospital gown, which is often worn before undergoing medical procedures that are meant to promote healing and renewal.

In a hospital gown dream scenario where the dreamer is undergoing a medical procedure, the symbolism of cleansing and renewal can be interpreted as a positive message about the dreamer’s health. This dream may be indicating that the dreamer is or will be going through a healing process that will result in them feeling refreshed and renewed.

If the hospital gown dream scenario involves seeing someone else wearing a hospital gown, the symbolism of cleansing and renewal could be related to the dreamer’s desire to help that person achieve a state of health and vitality. This dream could be revealing to the dreamer that they have the power to assist others in their own healing process or that they are in need of healing themselves.

If the dreamer is wearing a hospital gown but not undergoing any medical procedures in the dream, the cleansing and renewal symbolism may be related to the dreamer’s desire to shed old ways of thinking or negative patterns that are hindering their personal growth and development. This dream scenario may indicate that the dreamer is ready to let go of the old and embrace the new.

The symbolism of cleansing and renewal in hospital gown dreams can provide reassurance and hope for the dreamer. It may be encouraging the dreamer to take steps towards healing and personal growth or to continue on their already established path towards health and renewal.

Cleansing and Renewal Interpretation	Hospital Gown Dream Scenarios
Related to the act of putting on a hospital gown before a medical procedure	If the dreamer is undergoing a medical procedure
Related to the dreamer’s desire to help someone else achieve a state of health and vitality	If the hospital gown dream scenario involves seeing someone else wearing a hospital gown
Related to the dreamer’s desire to shed old ways of thinking or negative patterns	If the dreamer is wearing a hospital gown but not undergoing any medical procedures
Provides reassurance and hope for the dreamer	N/A

A Sign of Transition

A hospital gown appearing in a dream can be a sign of transition. Transition is a period of change from one state to another. It can also refer to a physical or emotional change that a person is going through. Dreaming of a hospital gown can represent the idea of undergoing a profound transformation.

• New Beginnings: If you have recently started a new chapter in your life, such as a new job, relationship, or moving to a new city, the appearance of a hospital gown in your dream could be a symbol of a new start. It may also indicate that you feel like you are at a turning point in your life and are trying to find your bearings.
• Recovery: Hospital gowns are often associated with illness or injury. If you are recovering from an illness or injury, your dreams may be reflecting your desire to regain your strength and vitality. It can also symbolize a need to rest and heal before continuing on your path.
• Death and Rebirth: The hospital gown can represent the cycle of life and death. It may suggest that you are in the process of shedding old habits or ways of thinking and preparing for a rebirth of new ideas or perspectives.
• Spiritual Growth: The hospital gown in your dream may reflect your spiritual journey. It may indicate that you are undergoing a process of spiritual transformation, where you are letting go of old beliefs and embracing a new way of being.
• Emotional Trauma: If you have experienced emotional trauma or upheaval in your life, the hospital gown may represent a desire to heal and move forward from the pain. It can also suggest that you are seeking support from others during this time of transition.

Keep in mind that the interpretation of dreams is subjective, and the meaning of a hospital gown in your dream may be unique to your personal experiences and circumstances. It can be helpful to reflect on what is currently happening in your life and seek guidance from a trusted friend or mentor. By paying attention to your dreams and your inner self, you can gain valuable insights into your life’s journey and navigate transitions with more ease and grace.

Tips for Understanding Your Hospital Gown Dreams

Understanding the meaning behind your hospital gown dreams can be a perplexing experience, but there are some tips that can help you gain a deeper insight into what your dreams may be trying to tell you. Here are some suggestions for understanding your hospital gown dreams:

1. Keep a Dream Journal: One of the best ways to understand your hospital gown dreams is to start a dream journal. Keep a pen and notebook near your bed and record your dreams as soon as you wake up. Write down every detail you can remember, including the people, places, and emotions in the dream.Over time, you may start to notice patterns and recurring themes that can help you interpret the meaning behind your hospital gown dreams.

2. Reflect on Your Thoughts and Emotions: Consider the emotions you felt during your hospital gown dream. Were you anxious, scared, or vulnerable? Reflect on any thoughts or experiences in your waking life that may be related to these emotions. This can help you identify the underlying meaning behind your dream.

3. Seek Professional Help: If you find that your hospital gown dreams are recurring and causing you distress, it may be helpful to speak with a therapist or counselor. They can help you explore any underlying issues that may be related to your dreams and provide guidance on ways to address them.

4. Consider Your Overall Health and Well-Being: Hospital gown dreams are often linked to health and healing. Consider your physical and emotional health and whether there are any issues that need your attention. Taking care of yourself and seeking medical attention when necessary can help ease the anxiety and stress associated with hospital gown dreams.

5. Trust Your Intuition: Ultimately, interpreting the meaning behind your hospital gown dreams requires you to trust your intuition. Pay attention to the thoughts and emotions that arise during and after your dreams. This can help you tap into your subconscious and gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your innermost thoughts and feelings.

By following these tips, you can begin to understand the meanings behind your hospital gown dreams and gain insights into your waking life. Remember that dreams can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and growth, and by paying attention to them, you can unlock new insights into your psyche.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dreams about hospital gowns can hold powerful symbolism and insights into one’s subconscious mind. Through understanding the significance of hospitals in dreams, as well as the meaning of clothing, we can start to unravel the hidden messages in these dreams. Hospital gowns in dreams can represent vulnerability, cleansing, renewal, and transitions, among other things.

It’s important to remember that dreams are highly personal and unique to each individual. While there are common interpretations and symbols, it’s crucial to also consider your own personal associations and experiences. Keeping a dream journal and reflecting on the emotions and events in your waking life can help bring clarity to these dream messages.

If you are consistently having hospital gown dreams or any other recurring dreams that cause distress, it may be helpful to seek out a therapist or counselor who can work with you to understand and process these dreams. Remember, dreams can hold valuable insights and potential for growth and self-discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean if you dream about being in a hospital gown?

Dreaming about wearing a hospital gown can be a symbol of vulnerability, as well as a need for healing or renewal.

What is the significance of hospitals in dreams?

Hospitals in dreams can symbolize a need for healing or a sense of being out of control.

What does it mean to dream about someone else in a hospital gown?

Seeing someone else in a hospital gown in a dream can represent a concern for their well-being or a need to care for them.

Is dreaming about a hospital gown a sign of illness or disease?

Dreaming about a hospital gown doesn’t necessarily indicate illness or disease. It can have various meanings related to healing, vulnerability, or transition.

What does it mean if I dream about escaping a hospital setting?

Dreaming about escaping from a hospital can represent a desire to regain control or a need to break free from a situation that feels limiting or restrictive.

Can a hospital gown dream indicate a fear of death?

While a hospital gown dream could be related to mortality, it doesn’t necessarily indicate a fear of death. It can have various meanings related to health, healing, or transition.

What is the connection between clothing and dreams in general?

Clothing in dreams can symbolize a person’s identity, social role, or emotional state. It can also represent a disguise, a need for protection, or a desire for self-expression.

What does it mean to dream about cleansing or renewal?

Dreaming about cleansing or renewal can represent a sense of emotional or spiritual purification, as well as a desire for a fresh start or a new perspective.

How can I better understand the meaning of my hospital gown dream?

Try exploring your personal associations with hospitals, illness, clothing, and vulnerability. You can also consider any recent changes or challenges in your life that may relate to the dream’s symbolism.

Should I be worried if I have a hospital gown dream?

Hospital gown dreams, like any other dream, can have multiple interpretations and are not necessarily cause for worry. However, if you are experiencing persistent anxiety or distress related to your dreams, you may want to consider seeking the help of a mental health professional.