How did you motivate yourself to see a psychiatrist/psychologist/therapist?

thesearenotthecatholicsyouarelookingfor · Jul 1, 2007

So I had some problems with serious depression when I was a teenager, but it pretty much cleared up with the end of puberty. Much like acne. I thought I was done with it. But lately I there have been some fairly extreme stressors in my personal life. It's like every time I think I've had all I can handle, something more happens. And I don't have much of anything in the way of day-to-day practical moral support. I am just constantly on the verge of tears, and I'm pretty sure that while any person would be kind of wigged out if faced with the same family stuff I'm currently dealing with, my constant state of being on edge is not really reasonable or appropriate. Or maybe it is, but I do know for certain that it's not at all productive and I can't go on this way. But I hate hate hate going to the doctor, and I hate hate hate hate hate hate the thought of taking any sort of meds. I know I'm not the only person out there who has this aversion to the health care system, so I guess my question is, if you are seeing a specialist for mental health issues, what convinced you to go ahead and do it? How did you find someone you were comfortable with?

It's so screwed up, because if it were any of my friends or family I'd be pushing them to see a shrink ASAP, but I'm a big hypocrite and won't go myself...

scraparcs · Jul 2, 2007

In my case, it ended up finally being my ex-boyfriend, but I was a basket case. I only kept on going because I found someone right away.

:hug:

It's not fun by any means.

goldenviolet · Jul 3, 2007

i had two family members that i was close to take me. i chose a christain angency and they interviewed me, picking out a therepist they thought i'd like. when we met, our first scession was more of an interview of eachother. we hit it off right away. i'd say, get a trusted friend or family to help you get started. set the date, go together. then interveiw the person you choose.

Jeshu · Jul 3, 2007

I went to see a psychiatrist to tell them what I thought of them - which wasn't very much at the time. I have however learned to see their side a lot better. And after more than five years of seeking the right medications the psychiatrist proved their worth to me.

DarkLegend28 · Jul 4, 2007

I didn't. I was forced to see one.

jayebrownlee · Jul 4, 2007

I was so ill that I felt I had no other option - I have been in the "system" ever since

currently waiting for a psych nurse to phone me

she's taking ages

What is a girl to do

Jay(sa)

Nobility · Jul 8, 2007

For me, I just did it. Bit the bullet so to speak and didn't let myself look back.

Your best way to do this may be to just ring and set up an appt and tell someone so you can't get out of it :hug:

genestealerbroodlord · Jul 10, 2007

warrrior4him007 · Jul 10, 2007

well i was seeing a therapsit way back in since elementry school lol to be honest with me being disabled and and with mestruggling with my disabilty now im at the point in my life what is life with out seeing a therapist or seeing a pscyrist or pscyotheratist

Kristen.NewCreation · Jul 11, 2007

I told myself it was like a tune up - I take my car in for maintenance, why wouldn't I deserve that? I go through depression at times where it's all I can do to get up, and seeing my therapist takes a lot of effort. When I'm doing well, I may not see her for weeks or months.

Like some others here, I chose a Christian therapist who I learned of by word of mouth. Sometimes it's difficult to go when I need to, but overall, I find it very helpful and helps me to manage my stress and depression.

Kristen

meebs · Jul 12, 2007

thesearenotthecatholicsyouarelookingfor said:
So I had some problems with serious depression when I was a teenager, but it pretty much cleared up with the end of puberty. Much like acne. I thought I was done with it. But lately I there have been some fairly extreme stressors in my personal life. It's like every time I think I've had all I can handle, something more happens. And I don't have much of anything in the way of day-to-day practical moral support. I am just constantly on the verge of tears, and I'm pretty sure that while any person would be kind of wigged out if faced with the same family stuff I'm currently dealing with, my constant state of being on edge is not really reasonable or appropriate. Or maybe it is, but I do know for certain that it's not at all productive and I can't go on this way. But I hate hate hate going to the doctor, and I hate hate hate hate hate hate the thought of taking any sort of meds. I know I'm not the only person out there who has this aversion to the health care system, so I guess my question is, if you are seeing a specialist for mental health issues, what convinced you to go ahead and do it? How did you find someone you were comfortable with?

It's so screwed up, because if it were any of my friends or family I'd be pushing them to see a shrink ASAP, but I'm a big hypocrite and won't go myself...

Cos i was sick of being depressed i wanted to find the root cause.

Im now waiting to see a counciller, it's going to take nearly a year to see one.

Im afraid when i finally made myself go the doctor hasn't taken me seriously enough :sigh:

AWorkInProgress · Jul 12, 2007

Amoeba said:
Cos i was sick of being depressed i wanted to find the root cause.

Im now waiting to see a counciller, it's going to take nearly a year to see one.

Im afraid when i finally made myself go the doctor hasn't taken me seriously enough

Matthew 7:7
“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

If you feel you are getting the run around or professional not taking your case seriously. This is America, ask for a new doctor or counsellor. Want someone who is serious about helping you.

meebs · Jul 12, 2007

AWorkInProgress said:
Matthew 7:7
Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

If you feel you are getting the run around or professional not taking your case seriously. This is America, ask for a new doctor or counsellor. Want someone who is serious about helping you.

Im in the UK.

(by the way i have to say thankyou -you are encouraging

).

I have other possible means at the moment. Waiting for replies though.

I admit - it took me a lot of courage to go to that docs and now im deeply discouraged. If something doesnt happen soon or i have another episode, i shall seek help by another doctor.

tbird_energizerbunny · Jul 12, 2007

Love and support for you.

For me, it was at the insistance of a really good friend. Then I refused her.

Then she said...."You really need to go to the doctor, talk to someone, and figure out what is wrong" and I kept denying everything. Then she said, "Well, don't you want to have the possibility of a good future with me instead of a violently emotional one?" Then I thought, my friend deserves someone who can love them, be there for them, hold them when they're scared.

So I went. Haven't looked back.

meebs · Jul 12, 2007

thesearenotthecatholicsyouarelookingfor said:
So I had some problems with serious depression when I was a teenager, but it pretty much cleared up with the end of puberty. Much like acne. I thought I was done with it. But lately I there have been some fairly extreme stressors in my personal life. It's like every time I think I've had all I can handle, something more happens. And I don't have much of anything in the way of day-to-day practical moral support. I am just constantly on the verge of tears, and I'm pretty sure that while any person would be kind of wigged out if faced with the same family stuff I'm currently dealing with, my constant state of being on edge is not really reasonable or appropriate. Or maybe it is, but I do know for certain that it's not at all productive and I can't go on this way. But I hate hate hate going to the doctor, and I hate hate hate hate hate hate the thought of taking any sort of meds. I know I'm not the only person out there who has this aversion to the health care system, so I guess my question is, if you are seeing a specialist for mental health issues, what convinced you to go ahead and do it? How did you find someone you were comfortable with?

It's so screwed up, because if it were any of my friends or family I'd be pushing them to see a shrink ASAP, but I'm a big hypocrite and won't go myself...

I will say though - don't be discouraged by negative stories, including my own.

Most docs and shrinks are fine and do help. :hug:

rushingwind62 · Jul 12, 2007

I wasn't aware I had a problem until I had a psychotic break and lost touch with reality. Come to find out I am bipolar. Looking back now I see I have had it since my youth.

To anyone seeking a psychatrist for depression or any behavioral problems, I suggest you push yourself to go. If you are aware you have a problem don't just let it go or it could lead to psychotic behavior. I lost a period of 2 weeks because I was so whacked out.It is not fun!!!

praying · Jul 14, 2007

I went because I was always crying and I used to say to myself, why can't you stop crying. Finding someone that you will feel comfortable with is harder than actually going. I went through a few therapists before I found the right one. I will say it was worth it. I was like you and didn't want to take meds but it ended up I had to take anti-depressants which wasn't the end and they did help. Like I said my biggest motivating factor was the crying, I knew I needed help.

ChristopherT · Jul 15, 2007

Well my perspective on this is a little different since I happen to be a christian therapist. I want to encourage you to take your time in making a choice on who to go to. Choosing the right therapist to go to is a lot like choosing the right school, you know what you want and they all are offering something. Just be aware that every therapist is a human being and thus different.

I also noticed you mentioned being adverse to medications. I am not sure if you know this, but a therapist is unable to prescribe medications, so if you go to a professional counselor instead of a psychiatrist you will not have to worry about having drugs thrown at you.(which is a complaint I hear quite often about psychiatrists)

Don't be discouraged if the first therapist you go to does not work out like you would have envisioned. Just like with any other relationship, there are times were two people do not mesh. Ask that therapist for a referral to another therapist. (In most states they are required to provided you with at least 3 other people to contact for services and can not refuse just to keep you on services)

I hope you find what you need to enjoy life to the fullest. God Bless

Lisa0315 · Jul 15, 2007

thesearenotthecatholicsyouarelookingfor said:
So I had some problems with serious depression when I was a teenager, but it pretty much cleared up with the end of puberty. Much like acne. I thought I was done with it. But lately I there have been some fairly extreme stressors in my personal life. It's like every time I think I've had all I can handle, something more happens. And I don't have much of anything in the way of day-to-day practical moral support. I am just constantly on the verge of tears, and I'm pretty sure that while any person would be kind of wigged out if faced with the same family stuff I'm currently dealing with, my constant state of being on edge is not really reasonable or appropriate. Or maybe it is, but I do know for certain that it's not at all productive and I can't go on this way. But I hate hate hate going to the doctor, and I hate hate hate hate hate hate the thought of taking any sort of meds. I know I'm not the only person out there who has this aversion to the health care system, so I guess my question is, if you are seeing a specialist for mental health issues, what convinced you to go ahead and do it? How did you find someone you were comfortable with?

It's so screwed up, because if it were any of my friends or family I'd be pushing them to see a shrink ASAP, but I'm a big hypocrite and won't go myself...

Oh, I was in big denial! I have suffered from depression my whole life and had thought that for the most part I had "beat it". When my husband was in a very bad accident last year, though, it hit me very, very hard. So, I went to a doctor because "I needed help making decisions". I lied my head off and believed every word I was saying. Then, I had a very, very bad night. I am not going to give details because it is just too personal. I still denied how bad my depression was even though I was barely functioning. Finally, I called the doctor about a week later. Then, I went in and spilled my guts. That was the beginning of my getting real help for the first time in my life. I was one of those highly functioning but severely depressed people who hit bottom finally.

Lisa

Lisa0315 · Jul 15, 2007

rushingwind62 said:
I wasn't aware I had a problem until I had a psychotic break and lost touch with reality. Come to find out I am bipolar. Looking back now I see I have had it since my youth.

To anyone seeking a psychatrist for depression or any behavioral problems, I suggest you push yourself to go. If you are aware you have a problem don't just let it go or it could lead to psychotic behavior. I lost a period of 2 weeks because I was so whacked out.It is not fun!!!

I am so glad you told me that. My husband is bipolar and when he was in the hospital, he had what they called "Hospital Psychosis". He was completely delusional when he was in the hospital room and would be completely normal when I took him outside in a wheelchair.

Lisa

How did you motivate yourself to see a psychiatrist/psychologist/therapist?

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