Counselling. Experiences? Can't see how it can help.

[TheGrumblingTech]

Doctor has just recommended to get some counselling.

 

On the verge of depression with high anxiety. Constantly questioning everything and can't let anything go.

 

Whenever I see these "how to feel happier" posts shared on Facebook I just think "what a load of boll****" as I'm reading through it. Never got to the end of one.

 

Got the same feeling about counselling.

 

Has it worked for anyone? What does it involve

 

Can't think of anything worse than being given a book and told to write my feelings or something similar.

[elsiegee40]

Counselling is a talking therapy, not writing in a book. The counsellor is skilled in letting you talk and helping you put your own thoughts in order. They don't tell you to do anything. They do help you to understand where you are and why and help you to regain control.

 

Yes, I have been there and done it. It does help. The biggest thing that this person brings is complete neutrality. They will not judge. Their only agenda is you help you help yourself. However, you do have to want to be helped.

 

The biggest problem with depression is yourself and admitting that you want help... and then accepting it. I have been there too.

 

Good luck

Edited January 12, 2015 by elsiegee40

[bossman]

@TheGrumblingTech:

 

Been there done that!

 

Counselling didn't work for me but it may work for you,

 

Can recommend a very good book entiltled "Stop thinking start Living" by Richard Carlson, very good and this worked for me, Amazon

 

Good luck

[michael2k6]

Consider CBT for the anxiety, I've seen it have some good results though not been through it personally. But as has been said, the first thing is you have to be the one who makes the decision. And you have to do it for the right reasons.

[TheGrumblingTech]

.

 

The biggest problem with depression is yourself and admitting that you want help... and then accepting it. I have been there too.

 

Good luck

 

Thanks all.

That's it.

 

I want the help but I think its going to be hard accepting it. Think its because my mind just says, how is that going to help.

 

Prob a bit like hypnosis, only works if you believe in it and want it to happen.

 

Ticked the box for being interested in CBT but found it was computer behaviour therapy. Left it ticked though as it was a extra.

[pcstru]

Counselling works for many people but not all. You won't know if it will work for you unless you try. What could be worse? Presumably the symptoms that took you to the Doctor in the first place. What have you got to lose by trying it out?

[pcstru]

Ticked the box for being interested in CBT but found it was computer behaviour therapy. Left it ticked though as it was a extra.

I ended up riding around on a motorbike for 10 years before I realised I'd misunderstood that TLA.

[TheGrumblingTech]

Counselling works for many people but not all. You won't know if it will work for you unless you try. What could be worse? Presumably the symptoms that took you to the Doctor in the first place. What have you got to lose by trying it out?

Absolutely.

 

All signed up. Waiting to hear back.

Doctor sent me to italk.

 

Can't believe how many sessions you go to.

 

Think I was sort of wanting a pill that you take and it just solves everything.

[Trapper]

<<>>

 

Go for professional services, not the NHS.

Edited January 13, 2015 by Trapper

[michael2k6]

 

Ticked the box for being interested in CBT but found it was computer behaviour therapy. Left it ticked though as it was a extra.

 

It's cognitive behaviour therapy.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) - NHS Choices

[crc-ict]

This is a difficult one, it's a very personal thing.

 

CBT is all about being taught how to control your own thoughts - basically telling yourself not to be anxious is certain situations for example. I've tried it, it didn't work for me. I became irritated by the exercises, analysing every thought and every response. Also, the fact that I knew my anxiety was irrational meant that CBT exercises designed to prove this to you didn't help me - I just wasn't 'strong' enough to be able to tell myself to stop being anxious. I ended up being referred onwards from CBT (which my local NHS takes as a starting point for all talking therapy) for proper counselling, but they were unable to offer me provision that I could access for various reasons, so never undertook it. Kind of got through it myself after that, or so I thought...

 

Ended up going down like a stone again 2 years later, and discovered the joys of Sertraline. The meds might not be popular with everyone, but they make such a positive difference for me.

 

Good luck, find something that is right for you and take care of yourself.

[synaesthesia]

It has to be worth a go. I am considering CBT to help with my speech problem, however the medication I am taking appears to be helping enough to not to worry about it (Sertraline 100mg). As has been said, you don't know until you try and just having someone to talk to can release a lot off the mind.

 

It's not all positive though; my wife went through counselling recently to help with the loss of a family member, and whilst trying to get to the bottom of certain behavioural traits stumbled across something that the police should have been involved in. My wife had no option but to cease the counselling because they were insistent she went to the police for something that occurred over 30 years ago. Made it very clear she didn't want to dig up the past like that and end up reliving it, but they kept pushing and pushing. That, however, is down to individual counsellors though.

 

 

: edit

Just seen the post above: to expand on Sertraline a little, it's an "anti-anxiety" medication and specifically not an anti-depressant. It really is rather good. I have one side effect I won't go into here but it's certainly not deal breaking and it does help the mind from wandering and helps keep it in focus. I'm taking it for my stutter; a problem that only manifests with certain people, or in certain situations. I've spoken to a large group of people without missing a beat, yet talking to my own dad it's like listening to Porky Pig in conversation with King George (king's speech). By helping to stop the mind from buggering off in different directions, it's now nearly fluent. Well worth looking into, my GP suggested trying this for 6 months before going down the route of CBT.

 

 

PS: Don't search CBT without safesearch.

Edited January 13, 2015 by synaesthesia

[CAM]

Whenever I see these "how to feel happier" posts shared on Facebook I just think "what a load of boll****" as I'm reading through it. Never got to the end of one.

 

TBH if it is on Facebook that is probably an accurate description anyway.

[E_G_R2]

Nothing ventured, nothing gained as they say. If it work then good, if not then a good doctor will be able to suggest something else.

 

From personal experience I found counselling to be good as I was able to talk to someone at last (part of the issue) and also together we realised that sports therapy was a good route to go down.

 

Good luck!

[strawberry]

Think I was sort of wanting a pill that you take and it just solves everything.

 

Think of teachers who want everything solved with one button push

It will take time to work, give it a chance and trust in the professionals. Hope your back to form soon

[witch]

@TheGrumblingTech

I can recommend both counselling and the book Bossman recommends. I also would recommend a course of mild antidepressants to lift your mood just a little so that you can begin to see the benefit of the book and the counselling.

The most important thing though, is to talk without restraint but actually listen to what you are saying.

I know that sounds odd, but I really didn't know that I am ridiculously hard on myself until, directed carefully by the counselor, I began to actually hear what I was saying. It really helped me to stop questioning everything and remember that I am a fallible human being who does her best

[TechMonkey]

I had counselling after a particular rough time a long while ago. I was sceptical, but pleasantly surprised. There was no book writing, or sitting in circles or chanting or incense or anything odd. It was sitting chatting to someone, no, chatting at someone, who helped direct the conversation where it might be useful.

 

It isn't a magic fix and it is about how you decide to approach it. It will also depend on the Counsellor. The only way to find out is to give it a go. Take it as a chance to spill your guts & say what you really want to say to someone you are unlikely to ever meet or speak to again. If that doesn't grab you then take it as a moment to step out of life and just pause. There are no expectations, no interruptions, no demands.

 

If it does nothing for you then at least you know. & don't worry, I roll my eyes at those Facebook posts too

[Gibson335]

@TheGrumblingTech:

 

Been there done that!

 

Counselling didn't work for me but it may work for you,

 

Can recommend a very good book entiltled "Stop thinking start Living" by Richard Carlson, very good and this worked for me, Amazon

 

Good luck

 

+1 for this book

[TheGrumblingTech]

Thanks all for your info and support.

 

An extract from good reads.com about that book

" Richard Carlson demonstrates how we can change everything in our lives – earn more money, meet new friends, get a new job – yet still feel dissatisfied"

 

I've done exactly this is the last few months plus more.

Might as well give it a go while I'm waiting

 

The doctor said to try counselling before starting on tablets. He seemed depressed himself though and a bit strange.

Edited January 13, 2015 by TheGrumblingTech

[ButterflyMoon]

I too have had counselling mine included talking as others said but had a counsellor who challenged me on some of the things I was saying. I needed that aspect mind you. She also did TFT (tapping) with me and it was amazing. Have a look on youtube for tapping for anxiety and give it a go while your waiting for your appointment. The mere fact you have opened up in here is the first step in your recovery even if you didn't realise it.

[caffrey]

Greatest thing about counselling is you have a person you can speak to privately about anything with no repercussions without any stigma, worst thing is that in can bring a lot of hidden things out in the open that you never knew about.