Depression - Page 7

Gen X EJC · August 19th, 2007, 03:20 AM

Christ, this is becoming our group therapy thread!! WOOHOOO!!! Actually not such a bad idea, I found I did much better in group than individual therapy, heheh.

It's nice to be able to share your problems with other people and realize that even though they barely know you they still want you to get better. So imagine how much more the people who DO know you want you to be healthy!

Beeyotch - I totally agree with you about the empathy thing. I am the same way and I think you wrote that in a very eloquent way. But I don't think that empathy HAS to necessarily come from being hypersensitive and afraid of criticism. So I don't think you/I would lose our empathy by overcoming the issues with criticism. And I definitely need to be able to deal with criticism to get back into the working world!

SYP - Yeah it sounds like your surroundings are having a really huge bearing on the way you feel right now! I'm sorry that people are always comparing you, there's nothing worse than the pressure of expectation. I spent my whole childhood being told by my parents that I was shy and it wasn't until a few months ago that I looked at my past and said, wait a second, I'm not at all shy! WTF!!! I just didn't like their fucking crazy religious friends. And having such bad school experiences really seals the deal. I was lucky enough to have moved away from my school bullies. I am a runner, so I've moved a lot to get away from shit I don't want to deal with. In your case, though, it wouldn't be running, it would be giving yourself the opportunity to lead a new life, so I think that's really positive. But I can tell you, as a moveabout, that it really is not as scary as it seems to just pick up and go somewhere. It sounds like you have some dear friends, maybe see if any of them have an interest in moving to have a roommate. Otherwise start doing online research to find what places seem to be nice and what kind of jobs are available. It's amazing how much difference a new place can give you for your outlook on life!!

Allie - the nice thing about psychiatrists is they're not the ones you spill your guts to. They're too high paid for that, usually. So the psychs you just tell about your physical symptoms and can get started on medication, and then you can find a separate therapist to do personal counseling with. Or group counseling, which may seem more vulnerable but generally requires less talking time so can be a good alternative. The reason I think that's a big plus is that it may take two or three different therapists to find someone you like, but generally the first PSYCH you see will be good enough to get you started with a medication plan if necessary. It's good to have the chemical part of the equation taken care of while you sort out the nurture bits.

Style junkie - hope you can find a new therapist that works out! You're still young to have to deal with all this crap!!!

VenusInFauxFurs · August 21st, 2007, 04:01 PM

Some news on the Venus front. I've decided to attempt therapy. I saw attempt because, finding a good one that I can work with is hard to find.

Chilly Willy · August 21st, 2007, 04:03 PM

Good for you, Venus! Don't give up if you don't find the right one right away!

VenusInFauxFurs · August 21st, 2007, 04:04 PM

Just annoys me trying to find a therapist that doesn't want to delve into my childhood, when I'm more interested in dealing with now feelings..

Chilly Willy · August 21st, 2007, 04:06 PM

Tell them you're looking for behaviorist therapy rather than psychoanalysis.

VenusInFauxFurs · August 21st, 2007, 04:08 PM

It's them wanting a "little background info" ---that ends up blah blah ...f%^K it! I came here to talk about something else dangit!

Gen X EJC · August 21st, 2007, 04:11 PM

Have you had more than one session with the therapist? I found they liked background on the first session but after that they didn't really seem to want to talk about my childhood at all. <scratches ear> Course maybe it helps if you LIE to them about your childhood... painting rosy pictures doesn't leave much to discuss

VenusInFauxFurs · August 21st, 2007, 04:12 PM

True, I might just give the next one a sugared version of it.

Chilly Willy · August 21st, 2007, 04:15 PM

Don't overdo it though. They have to estimate you in order to help you properly.

VenusInFauxFurs · August 21st, 2007, 04:16 PM

Thanks guys, I'll try to balance it somehow, so it turns out helpful

Chilly Willy · August 21st, 2007, 04:24 PM

Keep us updated!

Gen X EJC · August 21st, 2007, 04:27 PM

Chilly is right. If it sounds TOO lightweight they won't give you the medication. God I'm soooo manipulative of mental health professionals. <blushes>

Honestly, Venus, I think if you discuss certain 'goals' they will try to accomodate that. My mom went to a therapist for ONLY work related problems and I don't think they ever pressured her to talk about background stuff.

Chilly Willy · August 21st, 2007, 04:32 PM

My therapist explained to me that you can either dig up things from the past to learn dealing with them (psychoanalysis) or try to modify your current behavior and your current behavior only (behaviorist therapy).

The latter is for addicts, OCD folks, anxiety folks, and so on.

Tell them right away what you want from them. Or rather check out in advance what they specialized in.

AliceInWonderland · August 21st, 2007, 07:14 PM

Quote:

behaviorist therapy

thats what i need!

Honey · August 21st, 2007, 07:42 PM

Good on you Venus