Worth Your Time/Money? [Archive]

BoxxingTheStars

04/25/09, 09:00 PM

I was seeing a psychologist for 6 months (just stopped last month). Since it was a service provided by my university, it was free. But it was worth my time, that's for sure. I have a friend who's been seeing hers for about 5 months now, and she doesn't think it's worth her time. I think it all depends on who your psychologist is and how good they are. I really, really like mine, but my friend hates hers...making it not worth her time.

SanePsychotic

04/25/09, 09:07 PM

Yeah, liking your psychologist makes a world of difference. The first one I went to was annoying as hell and I became extremely hostile about getting help. But this one's a lot better; he has a much better sense of humor and whatnot.

I've been in therapy for about 4 months now and while it's nice to have someone to talk to, I feel like I am not getting a lot of out it. I mean, how long are people generally in therapy for?

Mibabalou

04/25/09, 09:10 PM

do these people help a lot ?

i was told by a teacher to see one last semester but i never did guess this is making me think

not to be to nosey but what do they do ?

SanePsychotic

04/25/09, 09:13 PM

do these people help a lot ?

i was told by a teacher to see one last semester but i never did guess this is making me think

not to be to nosey but what do they do ?

They pretty much just talk to you. It really depends on who you go to and how open you are with them. And they only help you if they're legitmately good at their job and you are willing to do the work and be honest with them.

And not to be nosey, but why did a teacher tell you to see one?

TEAMRAMROD

04/25/09, 09:13 PM

I've never seen one but I think they can be extremely beneficial to people. Some people, if nothing else, just need someone to talk to without being judged and therapists are good ones to turn to.

Mibabalou

04/25/09, 09:19 PM

They pretty much just talk to you. It really depends on who you go to and how open you are with them. And they only help you if they're legitmately good at their job and you are willing to do the work and be honest with them.

And not to be nosey, but why did a teacher tell you to see one?
bc i was attempting to make up the last 2 weeks in all my classes bc i got suspended from the university and she could tell i wasnt sleeping and stressed the fuck out

but i got all b's then got kicked out

SanePsychotic

04/25/09, 09:20 PM

bc i was attempting to make up the last 2 weeks in all my classes bc i got suspended from the university and she could tell i wasnt sleeping and stressed the fuck out

but i got all b's then got kicked out

Why'd you get suspended and why did you get kicked out for getting all Bs?

Mibabalou

04/25/09, 09:24 PM

i got suspended for 2 weeks for something i did and they saw i was a hard worker and shit and they let me finish the semester and get b-'s in all my classes which is a miricle you try missing 2 last weeks in your first college semester and get b's lol

and then again due to the same thing i did they "suspended" me for one semester which i can appeal to go back on july 1st so well see if i go back or go 2 q new school

SanePsychotic

04/25/09, 09:27 PM

Mibabalou

04/25/09, 09:28 PM

umm i did it once why would i do it more than once if i got in trouble

BoxxingTheStars

04/25/09, 09:38 PM

do these people help a lot ?

i was told by a teacher to see one last semester but i never did guess this is making me think

not to be to nosey but what do they do ?

Hmm, what do they do? They mainly talk to you about your feelings. It's not all "...and how does that make you feel?," either. I was seeing mine for many, many reasons (no, I'm not crazy or anything, like some think, I just had A LOT of things going on in my life) and she did activites with me to make me think about things differently and see things in a different light.
Just to name a few things I was/am in there for:
I have insomnia and she gave me tips on how to fall asleep better, I guess is the best way to put it. And also suggested I go on medication.
I was having problems with my mom and she (my psychologist) suggested different things to do, how to change stuff with my mom, etc.
I was dealing with a death to a close member of my family and she pretty much just let me go on and on about that.

Like, it feels like a comfort place. I know I won't be judged by her and I can just let it all out and not have to worry about anything.

Going to a "shrink" doesn't always mean you're crazy like some people think. People go for a lot of different reasons. At first, I was somewhat embarassed to go, but I became more and more comfortable with it when I realized it's perfectly normal. It also helped me pick on what I'm majoring in.

TEAMRAMROD

04/25/09, 09:41 PM

Hmm, what do they do? They mainly talk to you about your feelings. It's not all "...and how does that make you feel?," either. I was seeing mine for many, many reasons (no, I'm not crazy or anything, like some think, I just had A LOT of things going on in my life) and she did activites with me to make me think about things differently and see things in a different light.
Just to name a few things I was/am in there for:
I have insomnia and she gave me tips on how to fall asleep better, I guess is the best way to put it. And also suggested I go on medication.
I was having problems with my mom and she (my psychologist) suggested different things to do, how to change stuff with my mom, etc.
I was dealing with a death to a close member of my family and she pretty much just let me go on and on about that.

Like, it feels like a comfort place. I know I won't be judged by her and I can just let it all out and not have to worry about anything.

Going to a "shrink" doesn't always mean you're crazy like some people think. People go for a lot of different reasons. At first, I was somewhat embarassed to go, but I became more and more comfortable with it when I realized it's perfectly normal. It also helped me pick on what I'm majoring in.
Glad it's working out for you! People shouldn't be embarrassed in seeing one at all.

Mibabalou

04/25/09, 09:42 PM

Hmm, what do they do? They mainly talk to you about your feelings. It's not all "...and how does that make you feel?," either. I was seeing mine for many, many reasons (no, I'm not crazy or anything, like some think, I just had A LOT of things going on in my life) and she did activites with me to make me think about things differently and see things in a different light.
Just to name a few things I was/am in there for:
I have insomnia and she gave me tips on how to fall asleep better, I guess is the best way to put it. And also suggested I go on medication.
I was having problems with my mom and she (my psychologist) suggested different things to do, how to change stuff with my mom, etc.
I was dealing with a death to a close member of my family and she pretty much just let me go on and on about that.

Like, it feels like a comfort place. I know I won't be judged by her and I can just let it all out and not have to worry about anything.

Going to a "shrink" doesn't always mean you're crazy like some people think. People go for a lot of different reasons. At first, I was somewhat embarassed to go, but I became more and more comfortable with it when I realized it's perfectly normal. It also helped me pick on what I'm majoring in.

hey thanks a lot for this response not sure if ill go but i think at this point i know i should

Kassie09

04/25/09, 09:44 PM

BoxxingTheStars

04/25/09, 09:45 PM

Glad it's working out for you! People shouldn't be embarrassed in seeing one at all.

Thanks, me too : ).
But yeah, I know. At first it started out to be one thing, which I was embarassed by and didn't think was that big of a deal, but then stuff just kept adding on and on and I knew I should be in there.
It's my one chance a week to just let it all out and I love it. There are times when I'm just crying my eyes out and then minutes later I'll be laughing with my psychologist about something; she makes me that comfortable.

TEAMRAMROD

04/25/09, 09:46 PM

Thanks, me too : ).
But yeah, I know. At first it started out to be one thing, which I was embarassed by and didn't think was that big of a deal, but then stuff just kept adding on and on and I knew I should be in there.
It's my one chance a week to just let it all out and I love it. There are times when I'm just crying my eyes out and then minutes later I'll be laughing with my psychologist about something; she makes me that comfortable.
Good deal. I can think of a few people I know that would really benefit from seeing one.

BoxxingTheStars

04/25/09, 09:48 PM

I went to one from the time i was like 13 until I was..16ish?
I guess it helps if you care..I mean if you're not going to talk to the person, it isn't going to do anything at all for you, so don't bother. I was forced to go soo it didn't really matter what I wanted or if I spoke or not, I was going to be there anyway.

But if you're interested in going to one by your own will, you should.

That sucks that you were forced to go. It makes you less willing to be open and talk about stuff, and that never helps.
I agree with you 110% on this.
If someone goes on their own time and will, they just have to be super open and willing to work on whatever they're there for. Also, after a while, I think you start to become more open and willing to share what's on your mind.

Kassie09

04/25/09, 09:50 PM

That sucks that you were forced to go. It makes you less willing to be open and talk about stuff, and that never helps.
I agree with you 110% on this.
If someone goes on their own time and will, they just have to be super open and willing to work on whatever they're there for. Also, after a while, I think you start to become more open and willing to share what's on your mind.

Yeah I agree, the more you get comfortable with the person, the more you're willing to share with them and actually listen to what they have to say. So it takes a few times at least to feel comfortable but then it's worth it.

FemaleCuckold

04/25/09, 10:06 PM

Eh, personally I'd rather just take pills.

AlkalineAshes

04/25/09, 10:10 PM

Some people are "visionaries". They can help you change the way you think. They are worth it. However it may take awhile to find one that fits you.

SanePsychotic

04/25/09, 10:35 PM

Eh, personally I'd rather just take pills.

They can't change everything. Also, some people (like myself) would rather not become dependent upon things like medication if it can be corrected with a lot of hard work.

BoxxingTheStars

04/25/09, 10:39 PM

They can't change everything. Also, some people (like myself) would rather not become dependent upon things like medication if it can be corrected with a lot of hard work.

That's what I tried telling the doctor I saw to get some medication (after talking to my psychologist about it-so I was getting help and not just turning to drugs right away), that I didn't want to become dependent upon them. She must not've understood me, 'cause she proceeded to tell me that they're not addicting by any means. But then again, now that I think about it, there was a language barrier.

SanePsychotic

04/25/09, 10:40 PM

SanePsychotic

04/25/09, 10:42 PM

That's what I tried telling the doctor I saw to get some medication (after talking to my psychologist about it-so I was getting help and not just turning to drugs right away), that I didn't want to become dependent upon them. She must not've understood me, 'cause she proceeded to tell me that they're not addicting by any means. But then again, now that I think about it, there was a language barrier.

Yeah, it's not addiction I'd be worried about when taking drugs for psychological reasons (though that's always something to think about). I would just rather try to work through my problems on my own with my therapist's help.

BoxxingTheStars

04/25/09, 10:50 PM

Question for those who have seen a therapist: How long were you in therapy? Also, how long was it until you started seeing results? I know that it's not one of those things where you can truly look back and say "Gee, look at the growth from this point to this point; this really is progress" but if you could try to think about where you were when you started and where you are now and how better off you are/aren't then that would be stellar.

Thanks everyone for responding.

I started September 22, 2008 and am still in it. I see her once a week (except for winter and spring break...and now summer break). So it's been a few days past 7 months of going. I would like to say I started seeing results about a month and a half into it, but that's just 'cause I was using other means of happiness (alcohol, sex, etc.) and tricking myself to make it appear that things were better...when they weren't. Even at that point she told me she could see a difference. But then some more stuff happened and just brought me down again. But, I really don't think I'm any better today than I was 7 months ago. I have hills and valleys in my life where everything can seem to start to look up, but then something bad happens again and brings me down.
So maybe I'm not the best person to ask, but therapy varies person to person depending on why one is going.
My psychologist is an amazing one, and I'm trying my best to figure stuff out, but there are so many extrinsic factors that have been affecting me that sometimes prevent me from figuring everything out.

FemaleCuckold

04/25/09, 11:16 PM

They can't change everything. Also, some people (like myself) would rather not become dependent upon things like medication if it can be corrected with a lot of hard work.

Um, ok?

I'd still rather just take pills.

SanePsychotic

04/25/09, 11:21 PM

I started September 22, 2008 and am still in it. I see her once a week (except for winter and spring break...and now summer break). So it's been a few days past 7 months of going. I would like to say I started seeing results about a month and a half into it, but that's just 'cause I was using other means of happiness (alcohol, sex, etc.) and tricking myself to make it appear that things were better...when they weren't. Even at that point she told me she could see a difference. But then some more stuff happened and just brought me down again. But, I really don't think I'm any better today than I was 7 months ago. I have hills and valleys in my life where everything can seem to start to look up, but then something bad happens again and brings me down.
So maybe I'm not the best person to ask, but therapy varies person to person depending on why one is going.
My psychologist is an amazing one, and I'm trying my best to figure stuff out, but there are so many extrinsic factors that have been affecting me that sometimes prevent me from figuring everything out.

Thanks for telling your story. I truly appreciate it.

BoxxingTheStars

04/25/09, 11:22 PM

Thanks for telling your story. I truly appreciate it.

No problem. Hope it somewhat helped.

EDIT: Just curious, why are you wondering?

SanePsychotic

04/25/09, 11:23 PM

Um, ok?

I'd still rather just take pills.

Okay then, why would you rather just take the pills?

leftapart

04/25/09, 11:25 PM

Hmmm.. I've been seeing a therapist for 2 years and 6 months this May. I think it has been extremely helpful. I consider my therapist like a best friend; I can joke with him, talk serious with him, tell him my secrets I wouldn't dare telling another person, and just feel totally comfortable with him. I think that is the most important part in therapy: finding someone who you are comfortable with. If not, than you'll feel like this person is judging you, thus leading you to not open up. Therapy is like everything else in life, you can only get out of it what you put into it. How long did it take for me to see results? Quite awhile. I was in a bad, horrible place in my life when I started seeing my therapist. It's only been within the last 8 months that I have started noticing my life taking a new direction and also realizing that my thinking and consciousness have become proactive and optimistic. You can tell your therapist everything and anything you want, and he/she will certainly give you advice and different ways to approach the situation, but it is up to you to actually put his/hers words to use in your life. Just because you see a therapist once a week doesn't mean your world will automatically turn around. You have to do the work, not the therapist.

FemaleCuckold

04/25/09, 11:25 PM

Okay then, why would you rather just take the pills?

Easier. Less time consuming. Less expensive. They work (for me). They start working in like 2 - 4 weeks rather than months upon months or even years.

SanePsychotic

04/25/09, 11:27 PM

No problem. Hope it somewhat helped.

EDIT: Just curious, why are you wondering?

It did.

Well, I'm curious because I've been in therapy for a few months now (about 4) and while I feel like I've gotten some out of it (my general anxiety has gone down a lot) I don't think my main issue is being resolved as quickly as I'd like it to. Then again, I only told my therapist the main reason as to why I was there about a month and half ago and I only see him once every two weeks. I just want to make sure that I can get my problem resolved so he can go help someone who has worse problems than I do. Does that make sense?

SanePsychotic

04/25/09, 11:30 PM

Easier. Less time consuming. Less expensive. They work (for me). They start working in like 2 - 4 weeks rather than months upon months or even years.

Oh cool. I'm glad that medication has helped you, but as you probably already know not everyone's issue can be dealt with so easily with drugs. Just out of curiousity, what's your issue? Feel free to ignore that if you wish.

BoxxingTheStars

04/25/09, 11:36 PM

It did.

Well, I'm curious because I've been in therapy for a few months now (about 4) and while I feel like I've gotten some out of it (my general anxiety has gone down a lot) I don't think my main issue is being resolved as quickly as I'd like it to. Then again, I only told my therapist the main reason as to why I was there about a month and half ago and I only see him once every two weeks. I just want to make sure that I can get my problem resolved so he can go help someone who has worse problems than I do. Does that make sense?

Yeah, it makes sense. I was in that boat when I first started. I felt bad for "wasting" her time 'cause I didn't think my problems were as huge as other peoples....but come to find out, I was having HUGE problems. I was just so used to living with them everyday that I didn't realize how big they were (if that made sense).
When I first went, I thought I'd only be going in for one problem, but as we got talking, more and more of my problems surfaced and I realized even more that I should be there.
But, it's their job, that's what they do for a living and get paid for it. No one is wasting their time, and I'm sure if they felt that way, they'd say something about it to you.
Also, peoples issues resolve at different rates. Just 'cause I'm still working on it 7 months later, and someone else was done after a few short months, doesn't mean you should base that on when you will get things resolved. Like, you can't force something to get resolved. But, I'm sure your problem will get resolved eventually, things just take time. You just have to be patient and continue going if you think it's working for you.

SanePsychotic

04/25/09, 11:36 PM

FemaleCuckold

04/25/09, 11:36 PM

Oh cool. I'm glad that medication has helped you, but as you probably already know not everyone's issue can be dealt with so easily with drugs. Just out of curiousity, what's your issue? Feel free to ignore that if you wish.

Social/General anxiety and major depression.

SanePsychotic

04/25/09, 11:44 PM

Yeah, it makes sense. I was in that boat when I first started. I felt bad for "wasting" her time 'cause I didn't think my problems were as huge as other peoples....but come to find out, I was having HUGE problems. I was just so used to living with them everyday that I didn't realize how big they were (if that made sense).
When I first went, I thought I'd only be going in for one problem, but as we got talking, more and more of my problems surfaced and I realized even more that I should be there.
But, it's their job, that's what they do for a living and get paid for it. No one is wasting their time, and I'm sure if they felt that way, they'd say something about it to you.
Also, peoples issues resolve at different rates. Just 'cause I'm still working on it 7 months later, and someone else was done after a few short months, doesn't mean you should base that on when you will get things resolved. Like, you can't force something to get resolved. But, I'm sure your problem will get resolved eventually, things just take time. You just have to be patient and continue going if you think it's working for you.

I'm not going to lie, I'm really impatient when it comes to things that I believe I should be able to solve on my own. This really shouldn't be a big deal; I'd just like to block out the kind of thoughts I've been having because I personally don't believe they're "right", if you catch my drift. And I'd like that to happen as quickly as possible so i can lead a productive life. That's all I want.

SanePsychotic

04/25/09, 11:46 PM

Social/General anxiety and major depression.

Ah, that's partially my problem as well. My anxiety's manageable though, so I don't believe that medication was needed. Yours must have been more severe and not as easily manageable.

BoxxingTheStars

04/25/09, 11:49 PM

I'm not going to lie, I'm really impatient when it comes to things that I believe I should be able to solve on my own. This really shouldn't be a big deal; I'd just like to block out the kind of thoughts I've been having because I personally don't believe they're "right", if you catch my drift. And I'd like that to happen as quickly as possible so i can lead a productive life. That's all I want.

Right, I get what you mean. Sometimes there are things people can't solve on their own and social support is the best thing a person can have to help them...social support including your therapist. Not saying you should (if you're not already), but maybe talk to your therapist about drugs to help. Just talk to them about it, weigh out your options and see what you think about it. It may help. Everyone wants to get better instantly, but it takes time and patience, as hard as it may be, but eventually you'll get better.

FemaleCuckold

04/25/09, 11:55 PM

Ah, that's partially my problem as well. My anxiety's manageable though, so I don't believe that medication was needed. Yours must have been more severe and not as easily manageable.

Maybe, but the depression was probably the larger problem. Same medication treats both of 'em though, so two birds, one stone, etc.

SanePsychotic

04/26/09, 12:00 AM

Right, I get what you mean. Sometimes there are things people can't solve on their own and social support is the best thing a person can have to help them...social support including your therapist. Not saying you should (if you're not already), but maybe talk to your therapist about drugs to help. Just talk to them about it, weigh out your options and see what you think about it. It may help. Everyone wants to get better instantly, but it takes time and patience, as hard as it may be, but eventually you'll get better.

While I wouldn't rule them out, I highly doubt that drugs are going to help very much. The best way that I can really explain it is that I'm going through an identity crisis of sorts and I don't really see how medication could help that. It's not like I'm wanting to kill myself because I'm depressed, it's that I don't really like who I am and need some assistance in either a) being comfortable with myself as I am or b) changing what I don't like about myself. Maybe I'm just ignorant about the type of drugs that are out there (I admit it), but I don't think drugs could do a whole lot for me in solving the problem.

BoxxingTheStars

04/26/09, 12:12 AM

While I wouldn't rule them out, I highly doubt that drugs are going to help very much. The best way that I can really explain it is that I'm going through an identity crisis of sorts and I don't really see how medication could help that. It's not like I'm wanting to kill myself because I'm depressed, it's that I don't really like who I am and need some assistance in either a) being comfortable with myself as I am or b) changing what I don't like about myself. Maybe I'm just ignorant about the type of drugs that are out there (I admit it), but I don't think drugs could do a whole lot for me in solving the problem.

I'm not too sure on the drugs that are out there, either, but I'm sure your therapist would know. Like, I wasn't saying you should go on them, just suggesting to bring it up with your therapist and see what they have to say about it. But I'm not too sure if there would be any drugs out there to help you with that, either
I'm sure almost everyone's been in that same situation one way or another, but everyone find themselves eventually and becomes comfortable with who they are. Sounds all motivational speaker like, but it's true. I mean, you're still in high school, right? Maybe you'll become more comfortable with yourself when you go to college or something. Ugh, I'm losing what I'm trying to say here... But it'll come, believe me. And you shouldn't think that your problem is small and that you want to get out of therapy as soon as possible so your therapist can help others will more severe problems...your problem is huge as well. You deal with it everyday, I'm sure and that's gotta be tough.

zion the lion

04/26/09, 12:24 AM

Eh, personally I'd rather just take pills.

You usually have to see a psychiatrist to get the pills

FemaleCuckold

04/26/09, 12:25 AM

I'm not too sure on the drugs that are out there, either, but I'm sure your therapist would know. Like, I wasn't saying you should go on them, just suggesting to bring it up with your therapist and see what they have to say about it. But I'm not too sure if there would be any drugs out there to help you with that, either
I'm sure almost everyone's been in that same situation one way or another, but everyone find themselves eventually and becomes comfortable with who they are. Sounds all motivational speaker like, but it's true. I mean, you're still in high school, right? Maybe you'll become more comfortable with yourself when you go to college or something. Ugh, I'm losing what I'm trying to say here... But it'll come, believe me. And you shouldn't think that your problem is small and that you want to get out of therapy as soon as possible so your therapist can help others will more severe problems...your problem is huge as well. You deal with it everyday, I'm sure and that's gotta be tough.

Well, actually I'd have to reckon that there are a great deal of people who never find themselves. Soo that's not very good advice. And I have to imagine being a lesbian makes it a great deal harder.

FemaleCuckold

04/26/09, 12:27 AM

You usually have to see a psychiatrist to get the pills

No, you don't. Your general MD is perfectly capable of providing prescriptions for mood disorders.

zion the lion

04/26/09, 12:31 AM

No, you don't. Your general MD is perfectly capable of providing prescriptions for mood disorders.

And half the time they get it wrong...my doctor has me on mood stabilizers and prozac and I'm not bipolar, and usually they recommend that you see a therapist or something anyway.

FemaleCuckold

04/26/09, 12:37 AM

And half the time they get it wrong...my doctor has me on mood stabilizers and prozac and I'm not bipolar, and usually they recommend that you see a therapist or something anyway.

Mood stabilizers and Prozac are not necessarily only used to treat bi-polar disorder.

Most doctors will only recommend therapy if the medication is not having the desired effect for you. If it is, therapy is unnecessary. Some doctors will want you to try therapy first, but virtually all will give you the choice between medication and/or therapy.

zion the lion

04/26/09, 12:49 AM

Mood stabilizers and Prozac are not necessarily only used to treat bi-polar disorder.

Most doctors will only recommend therapy if the medication is not having the desired effect for you. If it is, therapy is unnecessary. Some doctors will want you to try therapy first, but virtually all will give you the choice between medication and/or therapy.

Everything I've said comes from personal experience and my "problems" are a bit more complex and definately need a psychiatrist.

FemaleCuckold

04/26/09, 12:59 AM

Everything I've said comes from personal experience and my "problems" are a bit more complex and definately need a psychiatrist.

So, uh, go to one?

zion the lion

04/26/09, 01:05 AM

So, uh, go to one?

I do go to one, I was just saying that you usually need to go to a therapist if theres something deeper than just depression or just whatever.

4N6 science

04/26/09, 05:52 AM

I've only been to see counselors for free at my school. It depends on how bad you perceive your problems to be.

SanePsychotic

04/26/09, 06:17 AM

I do go to one, I was just saying that you usually need to go to a therapist if theres something deeper than just depression or just whatever.

I think that should kind of go without saying, but thanks for saying it anway.

fadedmemories

04/26/09, 06:26 AM

I've never seen one.

FemaleCuckold

04/26/09, 06:31 AM

I've never seen one.

This is... enlightening. I will dwell on this and see what I can extract from the statement. I may have a conclusion of some merit within the day, but it could could take weeks. I'll keep everyone updated.

fadedmemories

04/26/09, 06:33 AM

This is... enlightening. I will dwell on this and see what I can extract from the statement. I may have a conclusion of some merit within the day, but it could could take weeks. I'll keep everyone updated.
Thank you. I feel so accomplished that you would quote one of my posts. My life has peaked, it can't get any better now.

FemaleCuckold

04/26/09, 06:35 AM

Thank you. I feel so accomplished that you would quote one of my posts. My life has peaked, it can't get any better now.

Haha, don't you like how since insults are outlawed on ap everyone just resorts to sarcasm? Kind of sad, really.

fadedmemories

04/26/09, 06:42 AM

Haha, don't you like how since insults are outlawed on ap everyone just resorts to sarcasm? Kind of sad, really.
Some insults are downright unnecessary.

Hamlet

04/26/09, 06:48 AM

The Personal Life forum is all the help you'll ever need.

sandra92

04/26/09, 07:13 AM

I already did .
But that didn't help that much . I didn't feel comfortable to talk openly with her . And I still get depressed too often .
Plus , my mom spent a lot of money on it and I really feel guilty because of that :/

But that's something that depends on you and on the psychiatrist .

BoxxingTheStars

04/26/09, 08:03 AM

Well, actually I'd have to reckon that there are a great deal of people who never find themselves. Soo that's not very good advice. And I have to imagine being a lesbian makes it a great deal harder.

Well, sorry for trying to give advice then. And let me correct myself then: most people find themselves at one point or another. I can't very well begin to say that I know how she's feeling, because I don't. I have friends/family who have been in the same situation as her (being gay and not being able to find themselves and/or like who they are), and I still don't know how she's exactly feeling. But, from those experiences, I've seen a great success rate at overcoming not knowing who they are and not liking themselves. I, too, imagaine it's a great dealer harder, but I really do believe she'll be able to like who she is.
Maybe I believe she'll be able to become comfortable with herself because I went to a Catholic college-prep high school and we went on this retreat called Kairos every year as a small group and I guess a lot of people found themselves there and became more comfortable with themselves after that, I'm not sure.

BoxxingTheStars

04/26/09, 08:10 AM

You usually have to see a psychiatrist to get the pills

Usually, but not always. Depending on the problem and who you go to, I guess. I'm seeing a psychologist that's provided by my university and since they're closely knit with the student medical center, I went from my psychologist to the med center due to referral. But, my psychologist did recommend I see the university psychiatrist and then she'd be able to prescribe me pills.

prefix-core

04/26/09, 01:58 PM

While I wouldn't rule them out, I highly doubt that drugs are going to help very much. The best way that I can really explain it is that I'm going through an identity crisis of sorts and I don't really see how medication could help that. It's not like I'm wanting to kill myself because I'm depressed, it's that I don't really like who I am and need some assistance in either a) being comfortable with myself as I am or b) changing what I don't like about myself. Maybe I'm just ignorant about the type of drugs that are out there (I admit it), but I don't think drugs could do a whole lot for me in solving the problem.

I'm far from an expert on this topic. I went to a therapist for about three sessions a few years back, and it was extremely helpful. The reason why I didn't go back? Fucked if I know. My life got very hectic (I was in the midsts of a job search at the time and interviews kept having to be scheduled over appointments; clearly I had my priorities straight) but I really did find it to be helpful.

But that's not really why I'm posting. I've been there before with that whole "identity crisis" thing, and in fact, am sort of going through it again...So yeah. Good luck. :-)

FemaleCuckold

04/26/09, 07:32 PM

Well, sorry for trying to give advice then. And let me correct myself then: most people find themselves at one point or another. I can't very well begin to say that I know how she's feeling, because I don't. I have friends/family who have been in the same situation as her (being gay and not being able to find themselves and/or like who they are), and I still don't know how she's exactly feeling. But, from those experiences, I've seen a great success rate at overcoming not knowing who they are and not liking themselves. I, too, imagaine it's a great dealer harder, but I really do believe she'll be able to like who she is.
Maybe I believe she'll be able to become comfortable with herself because I went to a Catholic college-prep high school and we went on this retreat called Kairos every year as a small group and I guess a lot of people found themselves there and became more comfortable with themselves after that, I'm not sure.

Haha, whoa.. chiiiill. Everything will be ok.

Bloodsucker II

04/26/09, 08:30 PM

Is seeing a therapist expensive? Because I definitely think it could be beneficial, just to have someone to open up to.

BoxxingTheStars

04/26/09, 08:34 PM

Is seeing a therapist expensive? Because I definitely think it could be beneficial, just to have someone to open up to.

It really depends on where you're at and who you see. I guess on average, it's about $100-$150/hr. But, if you have insurance, that's a different story. For me, it's free 'cause it's university provided.

Bloodsucker II

04/26/09, 08:44 PM

It really depends on where you're at and who you see. I guess on average, it's about $100-$150/hr. But, if you have insurance, that's a different story. For me, it's free 'cause it's university provided.

Damn. $100 - $150 an hour would be expensive. For me, anyway.

Thanks for answering my question! :-)

BoxxingTheStars

04/26/09, 08:47 PM

Damn. $100 - $150 an hour would be expensive. For me, anyway.

Thanks for answering my question! :-)

I'm sure it's expensive for a lot of people. Especially in today's world with the economy and all. Hopefully your insurance will cover it.

AlkalineAshes

04/26/09, 09:43 PM

There should be some kind of free or very low form counseling somewhere?? hotlines at the vary least

BoxxingTheStars

04/26/09, 09:53 PM

There should be some kind of free or very low form counseling somewhere?? hotlines at the vary least

http://www.eliteskills.com/teen_cutting/hotlines.php
While I'm sure not everyone's problems are on there, they should help a bit.

SanePsychotic

04/28/09, 04:22 AM

I'm far from an expert on this topic. I went to a therapist for about three sessions a few years back, and it was extremely helpful. The reason why I didn't go back? Fucked if I know. My life got very hectic (I was in the midsts of a job search at the time and interviews kept having to be scheduled over appointments; clearly I had my priorities straight) but I really did find it to be helpful.

But that's not really why I'm posting. I've been there before with that whole "identity crisis" thing, and in fact, am sort of going through it again...So yeah. Good luck. :-)

Aw, thanks, man. I appreciate that.