Have you ever seen a therapist?

[Amber St. Clare]

I'm glad there are those of you who don't see the need. All I can add to the discussion is that mine got me out of a suicidal depression which left me unable to leave the house. And I had a child to raise.

I honestly think I would be dead {or definitely divorced} without him. {and I'm NOT a drama queen}
eta: There are times when a person is undergoing a chemical change and needs mediccation/therapy/hospitalization to stabilize themself. No amount of 'snap out it it, suck it up, knock it off" will do the trick, It's not about weakness. It is a MEDICAL issue.

 

[junebug17]

For those of you who aren't 'drama queens': Be glad you've never had to deal with anxiety or depression beyond your control. It can be crippling- far beyond being able to buck up and deal. You aren't stronger than everyone else, you're just lucky.

I agree EB, very well said.

 

[HollyS]

I am my own best therapist. And if I am not able to pull my own head out of my 'you know what', I have a very good friend wise enough to do the job for me.

Most of us know exactly who we are, where we need to change, and why we don't. For myself, personally, I don't feel the need to pay someone to listen to me try to justify any recalcitrant effort to improve myself. I just need to 'find my inner child, kick it's little butt, and get over it" -- to quote Don Henley. I'm very no nonsense, and so NOT a drama queen, so I usually pull myself together without much fuss.

For others, maybe a little counseling helps. DH has gone, and has been helped.

Thanks, but I'm not a drama queen. In fact, much of the reason I'm going to therapy in the first place is because I refuse to burden other people with my problems. I'm about as no nonsense as they come, which is why I've taken account of what's going on in my head and said "I need to be healthy, for my child and my marriage."

Forgive me if trying to "pull myself together" and seeing a therapist in my own private time is causing a fuss. I really don't feel it is.

For starters, MY post was not about YOU. So, perhaps a little perspective would go a long way to improving whatever issues you face.

Secondly, the question was, "Have you ever seen a therapist?" My answer was an explanation of why I had not.

Thirdly, I did state that my husband has been to a therapist, and I believe he has been helped.

And finally, . . . oh forget it. You'll just blow that out of proportion as well. Moving on now.

 

[LtlFirecracker]

Yes, I just started seeing one again, mainly to deal with some issues from my recent past. She said she wants to deal with these issues now because everything is going fairly well for me right now, and she said, that is the best time to deal with this stuff. I found that kind of interesting, but it makes since.

In regarding the psychologist vs psychiatrist statement that was made earlier. There are some very good psychiatrists out there who can do counseling. My mother was a psychologist, and I know and understand that therapy is what they specialize in. But to lump psychiatrists in to one group is really unfair in my opinion.

 

[Nashville]

I am my own best therapist. And if I am not able to pull my own head out of my 'you know what', I have a very good friend wise enough to do the job for me.

Most of us know exactly who we are, where we need to change, and why we don't. For myself, personally, I don't feel the need to pay someone to listen to me try to justify any recalcitrant effort to improve myself. I just need to 'find my inner child, kick it's little butt, and get over it" -- to quote Don Henley. I'm very no nonsense, and so NOT a drama queen, so I usually pull myself together without much fuss.

For others, maybe a little counseling helps. DH has gone, and has been helped.

Thanks, but I'm not a drama queen. In fact, much of the reason I'm going to therapy in the first place is because I refuse to burden other people with my problems. I'm about as no nonsense as they come, which is why I've taken account of what's going on in my head and said "I need to be healthy, for my child and my marriage."

Forgive me if trying to "pull myself together" and seeing a therapist in my own private time is causing a fuss. I really don't feel it is.

For starters, MY post was not about YOU. So, perhaps a little perspective would go a long way to improving whatever issues you face.

Secondly, the question was, "Have you ever seen a therapist?" My answer was an explanation of why I had not.

Thirdly, I did state that my husband has been to a therapist, and I believe he has been helped.

And finally, . . . oh forget it. You'll just blow that out of proportion as well. Moving on now.

I'm not blowing anything out of proportion. You said "I'm not a drama queen." Ok, and...? Why say that? Why not just say "No, I never felt the need to see a therapist?" I wasn't actually saying you were talking about ME specifically, either. I was taking offense for the people who were brave enough to admit that they did need therapy at one time or another, who couldn't just "pull their head out of" their you-know-where.

I read through some of your answers, and it seems you often like to wander into threads ranting about things you have no personal experience with.

I don't need your opinion on how or what I need to improve my "issues." Again, thanks so much.

Edited for clarity.

 

[Nashville]

Anyhoo... this thread has pretty much been ruined and I'm almost sorry I started it.

Thanks to everyone who gave honest and supportive replies. I'm looking forward to my appointment and to getting some much needed help managing my stress I think it will be the right decision for me at this point, and I'm happy to hear from others who had their experiences to share (which is really what I was looking for, people who have BEEN THROUGH the experience of going to therapy).

 

[Nashville]

Yes, I just started seeing one again, mainly to deal with some issues from my recent past. She said she wants to deal with these issues now because everything is going fairly well for me right now, and she said, that is the best time to deal with this stuff. I found that kind of interesting, but it makes since.

In regarding the psychologist vs psychiatrist statement that was made earlier. There are some very good psychiatrists out there who can do counseling. My mother was a psychologist, and I know and understand that therapy is what they specialize in. But to lump psychiatrists in to one group is really unfair in my opinion.

Thank you for sharing! It's interesting that your therapist said that when things are going well, it's a good time to explore anything that might be bothersome. It's almost like making a stronger foundation on a time when things are going well.

As for the other thread, I don't know why that was started at all...

 

[HollyS]

"Anyhoo... this thread has pretty much been ruined and I'm almost sorry I started it."

Drama. And for no good reason. But, hey, whatever.

 

[Nashville]

"Anyhoo... this thread has pretty much been ruined and I'm almost sorry I started it."

Drama. And for no good reason. But, hey, whatever.

"Moving on now."

Yes, please do. If you insist on continuing this conversation, perhaps please respect the reason I started it to begin with and stay on topic.

 

[kama_s]

Yikes. Ya know, I am rather mouthy myself, but coming into a thread and being insensitive about something that most people find difficult to talk about is absolutely inconsiderate. I can't begin to tell you how many people who most definitely need some sort of psycho or psychopharma therapy don't proceed because in their mind they don't want to be labelled as a 'drama queen' or don't want to disappoint family members who expect they should be able to just 'snap out of it'. Enough with the stigma already.

Anyways, Nashville, to answer your question: I saw a therapist once a week for around 6 months during 3rd year of university. I come from a physically and emotionally abusive family, and when I finally left home, I had severe guilt issues that were ingrained in me. I found it hard to cope and was clinically depressed. My grades were excellent and I had a wonderful circle of friends and an amazing boyfriend ( now husband). But, like you, I realized where I was mentally was just not healthy and it wouldn't take too long to have things spiral out of control. I already had self destructive tendencies at that point. I come from several generations of mental health issues that led to severely destructive families, and breaking this vicious cycle was important to me. My psychologist never said much, but she helped me talk through all the things in my childhood that I had burried, helped me through the guilt and helped me realize that some of the things I was blamed for were NOT my fault. It took me another few years to fully cut my mother out of my life, but regardless, it helped me to see what was wrong and unacceptable and that *I* was not the bad person for staying true to my ideals. Both, my brother and father have still not come to terms with our past, but I am now at a very happy and content place. My psychologist didn't say much, but she HELPED ME HELP MYSELF - an invaluable lifelong skill that I was able to develop.

Good luck to you! I hope you are able to work through your issues and kudos for realizing that you need help and can't do it on your own. That, in itself, is a huge achievement.

 

[kenny]

I want to apologize for being rude.

As I have written my therapeutic process was invaluable to me and I have the deepest respect for the field.
I get sensitive when I suspect the field is being discredited or I sense I am being portrayed as weak for having therapy.
I saw this as intolerance of diversity but perhaps it is I who is being intolerant.

I should not have started that other thread, now removed.
While I clearly do not consider psychotherapy a scam (quite the opposite) it was wrong of me to suggest that others may.

I'll work on my acceptance that some people do not have a favorable view of therapy, and on coming across in a less combative way.

 

[lyra]

Nashville, you have nothing to be sorry about. Don't let a few bullies make you feel bad about starting this thread. I have seen other renditions on the same topic get tons of support. I don't know why some people are taking the low road here lately.

 

[Nashville]

Nashville, you have nothing to be sorry about. Don't let a few bullies make you feel bad about starting this thread. I have seen other renditions on the same topic get tons of support. I don't know why some people are taking the low road here lately.

Thanks Lyra. For a minute there I thought I was seeing something no one else was.

 

[princesss]

Yes, I've been to therapy, and yes, it helped me a lot. I learned some coping mechanisms for when I start feeling overwhelmed, and how to block out the negative voices in my head and focus on positives and achievables - not just the voices that tell me I'm not good enough for no particular reason (which I did for a long time). It helped me recognize what lessons to take away from bad situations, and how to let go of everything else.

I'm glad you have an appointment. I think a good therapist can really help you sort out your issues and give you the tools you need to manage on your own, and help "sharpen the saw" as needed.

 

[OUpearlgirl]

Count me in as another person who has had an extremely positive experience with therapy. I had major anxiety and depression and seeing my therapist (combined with a litle bit of medication) was my saving grace. I still go to see her once every six months just for a little "check in."

Glad you have an appointment and I hope it goes well.

 

[dragonfly411]

I was in therapy when I was VERY young. Why? Because I was TERRIFIED of loud noises. If a balloon popped, I went into hysterics. I didn't allow balloons or loud things at my birthday parties. When I was in kindergarten, if the fire alarm went off, I'd get so upset I had to go home. Even upwards into fifth grade, if balloons were present, I was scared.


I'm apparently over it now because I can shoot a gun. I don't really know whether the therapist helped, especially considering that I'd make her turn the noise off on operation... but hey, I got to play operation a lot as a kid!

 

[Autumnovember]

I think that everyone could use a therapist at least once in their lives. Sometimes talking to an unbiased person can help you see new perspectives on situations that weren't possible to see before. I hate the stereotypes that come with seeing a therapist because I know it makes it THAT much harder for people to go.

Also, I just want to say that I think it is extremely sad and ignorant for anyone to think that people who see a therapist are "drama queens"...thats a disgusting assumption to make and above all, closed minded.

 

[Autumnovember]

Also, Nashville---

I hope your appointment turns out to be wonderful for you and you decide to keep going and are able to receive the support that you are looking for. It has been a very rewarding experience for so many people that I know and it has helped them tremendously.

 

[packrat]

Nash, I hope your appointment goes well and this is the right person for you.

I worked for a Psychiatrist after we got married and adored my job..does that count? haha

I saw someone when I was a Freshman in high school b/c I'd had a traumatic experience and it was recommended to help me work thru it. She told me the reason it happened was b/c my mom's dad died so young. I was 2 when he died and I don't remember him. How that tied in w/something that happened 14 years later, I don't know. She had me do role playing w/a pillow, acting as if it was my Silly Papa who again, died when I was 2, telling him I wished he hadn't died so that mom and I would have a better relationship. I asked her a couple times how it was Silly Papa's fault that it happened, and then it sort of became mom's fault (he died when I was young and mom was also very young-25 or so, and she didn't get to say good bye so then she couldn't bond w/me as I grew up and I became rebellious and went to a party and that's when it happened..I guess?) Anyway, it made it a lot worse and I quit going.

BUT, that doesn't mean they're ALL like that. When Trapper came, I was very depressed and anxious and probably should have seen someone regularly, but I did talk to one of the providers at work a couple times and that helped some. I had it all written out what JD was to do w/my life insurance policy b/c I just wanted to end it. Hormones get messed up and they play some bad tunes in our bodies at times, whether you're pregnant or not. That's not something to mess around w/and nothing to joke about.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

This thread reminds me of when Tom Cruise claimed all depression could be cured with exercise. Not everyone needs therapy. Nor everyone who needs therapy, needs medication. We are not one size fits all. There are many different therapeutic approaches and it is vital you (I am not referring to anyone in particular) find what is right for you. If you are an emotion based person, a cognitive or behavioral therapist may not be the best choice. You gotta do your research. There are lemons in every single field. It is unfair to disregard the value of therapy just b/c of a bad experience or worse someone else's!

 

[Nashville]

I ended up having my appointment today.

I have to say, I loved it. I was so nervous going in, and a half box of tissues later I left the session feeling drained, but happy to have finally told someone what's been going on. The woman I'll be seeing is not a sit back and listen type, and I like that. She gave me a lot of great feedback as I was telling her what has been happening, and I felt a lot was drawn out of me that I'd never considered before. The only thing that scares me is the emphasis on dredging up the past... but I'm open to the process. I can't move forward in the future unless I confront the past.

Right now, my mind is like a giant file cabinet that's been knocked over by an elephant. Today I started filing things back in the right place haha

 

[AGBF]

I want to apologize for being rude.

As I have written my therapeutic process was invaluable to me and I have the deepest respect for the field.
I get sensitive when I suspect the field is being discredited or I sense I am being portrayed as weak for having therapy.
I saw this as intolerance of diversity but perhaps it is I who is being intolerant.

I should not have started that other thread, now removed.
While I clearly do not consider psychotherapy a scam (quite the opposite) it was wrong of me to suggest that others may.

I'll work on my acceptance that some people do not have a favorable view of therapy, and on coming across in a less combative way.

Kenny,

You're a doll!

Deb

 

[E B]

That's great, Nash! I'm glad to hear it went well.

 

[kenny]

Kenny,
You're a doll
:

No Deb, KEN is the doll.
I'm Kenny.

 

[Kaleigh]

I want to apologize for being rude.

As I have written my therapeutic process was invaluable to me and I have the deepest respect for the field.
I get sensitive when I suspect the field is being discredited or I sense I am being portrayed as weak for having therapy.
I saw this as intolerance of diversity but perhaps it is I who is being intolerant.

I should not have started that other thread, now removed.
While I clearly do not consider psychotherapy a scam (quite the opposite) it was wrong of me to suggest that others may.

I'll work on my acceptance that some people do not have a favorable view of therapy, and on coming across in a less combative way.

I am so glad you apologized Kenny. Big of you, and much appreciated.

 

[AGBF]

I am my own best therapist. And if I am not able to pull my own head out of my 'you know what', I have a very good friend wise enough to do the job for me.

Most of us know exactly who we are, where we need to change, and why we don't. For myself, personally, I don't feel the need to pay someone to listen to me try to justify any recalcitrant effort to improve myself. I just need to 'find my inner child, kick it's little butt, and get over it" -- to quote Don Henley. I'm very no nonsense, and so NOT a drama queen, so I usually pull myself together without much fuss.

For others, maybe a little counseling helps. DH has gone, and has been helped.

Hmmm. I'm not young or sensitive, Holly, so this doesn't bother me a bit. But I do see why some of the other Pricescopers see you as the Wicked Witch of the West after reading this. If I were young and sensitive it would bother me a lot. One could construe it as implying that those who seek therapy are paying others "to listen to (them) to justify any recalcitrant effort to improve (themselves)". (You got a little tangled up in words there, girl. What does that mean?) One could also infer that those who seek therapy are not "no nonsense" and are "drama queens" who can't pull themselves together without a lot of fuss! I happen to see where that could cause some consternation.

Deb/AGBF

 

[Kaleigh]

I ended up having my appointment today.

I have to say, I loved it. I was so nervous going in, and a half box of tissues later I left the session feeling drained, but happy to have finally told someone what's been going on. The woman I'll be seeing is not a sit back and listen type, and I like that. She gave me a lot of great feedback as I was telling her what has been happening, and I felt a lot was drawn out of me that I'd never considered before. The only thing that scares me is the emphasis on dredging up the past... but I'm open to the process. I can't move forward in the future unless I confront the past.

Right now, my mind is like a giant file cabinet that's been knocked over by an elephant. Today I started filing things back in the right place haha

Big step for you Nash, and so glad it went well!!! She sounds like a great therapist and is someone who is the right fit for you!!!

Thanks for sharing this update with us, I know this thread had it's ups and downs.

But we are here for you!!!

Hoping all goes well in the weeks to come!!!

 

[AGBF]

I ended up having my appointment today.

I have to say, I loved it. I was so nervous going in, and a half box of tissues later I left the session feeling drained, but happy to have finally told someone what's been going on. The woman I'll be seeing is not a sit back and listen type, and I like that. She gave me a lot of great feedback as I was telling her what has been happening, and I felt a lot was drawn out of me that I'd never considered before.
...

I am so glad it went well, Nash! Keep going!!!

Hugs,
Deb

 

[Nashville]

Thanks

 

[kenny]

Big of you, and much appreciated.

Hey I thought we weren't going to talk about body size any more.