Scared of seeking out counseling?

[247youth]

I've struggled with SI for several years off and on. In August I moved away from home to go to school and I'm going to a Christian university. I've really enjoyed my time here and until November there was no temptation to SI. Over thanksgiving break I was very alone, my roomates went home and I didn't. It seems that if I'm alone with my thoughts I'm much more tempted to SI. Well, over thanksgiving break I gave into that temptation and it's been a bit of a battle ever since. My roomates found out and told me that I should seek out counseling, its free through the school. There have been a few other close friends who found out and they have all advised me to get counseling. I'm too scared to. I don't think I could talk to a complete stranger about what I'm going through. I don't deny that I probably need counseling. I find it very hard to talk to people face to face about it as it is. I really don't think I could talk to a stranger. What would you guys advise that I do?

 

[ConcreteAngel]

Hi There!

I would suggest that you do go and talk to someone...and if it's free through uni, then go and see whether you're comfortable with them first. The thought of it is scary...but i think it's actually easier to talk to someone in depth about your problems who you don't know as a casual friend. It's worth keeping in mind that a counsellor s professional and what you say to them is confidential. They are also used to hearing about distressing things such as SI...which is not something that your friends or family may be fully understanding of. And, remember, whatever you tell the counsellor is completely confidential so you can tell them whatever your concerns are and explore your feelings. I hope this helps some...anything else you want to ask...just PM me.

My thoughts are with you!

 

[madison1101]

A trained counselor or therapist will not judge you. There is a lot of research out there for people who do counseling and therapy about self-injury. It is symptomatic of other issues, and the counselor can help you explore what is triggering you to hurt yourself.

We were not meant to travel this life alone. God put people in our lives to help us through the rough spots. A counselor can help you if you will trust the Lord and ask Him to help you trust the counselor.

 

[HolyOne87]

I know what you are going through. My friends from college also advised me the same thing last month..but instead of telling me they tried to force me which drove me away from it a little. I wanted the help, but i didnt want to be forced into it. I ran off when they brought me to the office because for one, like you, i didnt want to talk to a stranger and, two, i wasnt quite ready just yet.
I eventually did go a few days later.I felt maybe I can get an outside opinion from this psychiatrist.i went to two sessions..It helped somewhat...but keep in mind, it was only 2 sessions that I went to...so not much was able to be done.
And the psychiatrist def. dont judge you. They will sit there and listen as you explain everything and they wont say much until you are done with what you are saying.
I say take the chance..there is nothing saying you cant change your mind after the first session..but try and go to one..you'll never know, you might feel comfortable.It might not be right away..it might take a few sessions, but eventually you will.
sometimes the psychiatrist will just ask general questions to you then ask you if you want to ask them anything (just to make it a tad more comfortable). I took advantage of that and asked her a few questions about herself just to get me more comfortable with her. It took me a session and a half to get comfortable enough to say that i SI.
I'd say give it a try..see what you feel about it. It is free too, so you might as well take advantage of that.

Everything will be okay. I will be praying for you!

 

[247youth]

Well I told my RA, basically that's the person in charge that lives on your hall, and we talked about it for a long time last night. I was scared of telling her for fear that she would be obligated to tell someone else in authority and I would be forced to go to counseling, but she said as long as things change sometime soon that she won't tell anyone. I'm gonna try and stop without having to go to counseling because as I mentioned in the original post I'm really too scared to do so. But if I can't get control then I guess that I will end up in counseling. I really don't know at this point. But I did tell someone in authority, so I guess that is a small step forward.

 

[tapero]

That is wonderful that you told someone 247youth. That took a lot of strength and courage. I am very proud of you. Praying for you. Love, Tapero

 

[HolyOne87]

Well I told my RA, basically that's the person in charge that lives on your hall, and we talked about it for a long time last night. I was scared of telling her for fear that she would be obligated to tell someone else in authority and I would be forced to go to counseling, but she said as long as things change sometime soon that she won't tell anyone. I'm gonna try and stop without having to go to counseling because as I mentioned in the original post I'm really too scared to do so. But if I can't get control then I guess that I will end up in counseling. I really don't know at this point. But I did tell someone in authority, so I guess that is a small step forward.

im glad you told someone. i shall pray that the urges will subside and it will be easier to fight off and cope with as time goes on.

 

[LazeyWinde]

Glad your counseling is going well. I used to have a great therapist but I moved and have been going without counseling.... It's been a struggle and I can see how much my therapist had helped me. I'm hopimng to get another one soon.

 

[GreenEyed]

Hey,

Being at college myself, I was able to talk to an older girl at church about my struggle with cutting. She was extremely helpful encouraging and praying with me. Maybe you can find someone like that?

 

[Moana]

Couselors won't judge you they are there to help you. They have seen almost everything and have probably been trained what to do for people who SI.

Oh the other hand if you are really adamant about not seeing someone/ can't afford someone to see/ need urgent help try calling hotlines. All you have to do is do 411 and tell them you need a teen hotline they will link you up to your local area's hotline.