Has anyone here gone to therapy within the last five years? Was it worth it?

[Anonymous]

Do modern therapists actually spend time talking to you and helping you work through your issues, or do they prefer pharmaceutical solutions these days?

I am NOT looking to get jacked up on meds. I knew a girl who was prescribed antidepressants, thanks largely to her mother's munchausen syndrome. As a consequence, she felt no emotions during the day, had terrible nightmares at night... and killed herself.

[kitkat9]

Sorry about that girl... although if you are worried about that I will say suicide is still pretty rare (not to diminish it or anything). I went to a counselor/therapist last semester and she mainly focused on talking and helping me with my problems, while the medication I got was completely optional. I wasn't dealing with anything as severe as depression, though. I really think it might depend on the therapist and what problems you are having but, for the most part, they don't want you to take medication unless they truly think its benefits are greater than the possible side effects. Hope this helps!

[kitkat9]

Just to correct myself so I don't confuse you... I went to a therapist to talk about my problems, and she recommended me to a psychiatrist on campus. Only psychiatrists or a certain type of psychologist will actually be able to prescribe the medication if they feel it's what you really need.

[Asker]

I've had thoughts of suicide in the past, is why I'm worried about meds exasperating it.

What I'm really dealing with is a bit of depression and social anxiety which prevents me from forming lasting friendships. I've been socially isolated for most of my life, some self-esteem issues stemming from that, but... well. Don't mean to stack that on you.

GaG has been my therapist for a while now.

[kitkat9]

I'm truly am sorry for what you're going through. Feel free to message me if you ever need someone to talk to, although I hope you realize that strangers on the internet won't be nearly as helpful as surrounding yourself with family and people who truly love and care about you. I'm sure you have someone you can confide in. If not, again, I truly am sorry for your circumstances but this will tell you that therapy is a great option. Be sure to tell your therapist of your past thoughts of suicide and any of your other concerns. Don't worry about holding anything back because he/she will understand and will do their absolute best to help you with anything and everything you're struggling with. Also I don't want to force my beliefs on you or anything but I believe praying and asking God to carry all of your burdens will provide more hope than any human being could ever offer!

[Asker]

I appreciate it. Knowing what it'd put my family through (even though they contributed to my state) is the main reason I didn't go through with it a year ago. I've been trying to sort things out on my own since then with limited success.

I've since entered a relationship, but I don't want to dump my problems on her either. She has enough stress in her life already between school and her family's (extremely precarious) situation without me adding to it. She's a good woman who deserves some happiness in life, and I want to be the man to give it to her. If that means I need to see a therapist to sort my baggage out, then that's what I'll do. I just don't want to shell out a bunch of money with my crappy insurance plan only to get a prescription for zombie pills that'll make me do something stupid.

Thank you for your advice. I appreciate your prayers, too. :)

[MishaMikado]

The important thing is to find a great, nice therapist. My current therapist is amazing and she's helped me in a few ways already.

[Imupforit]

Yes, therapists are useful. I've been going off and on for 5 years. The main issues are depression and anxiety from PTSD. A combination of medication, cognitive and immersion therapies have been most useful.
Ruling out medication because of the experience of someone else makes it sound as if your looking for an excuse to bail on therapy if it gets uncomfortable. It WILL be uncomfortable if the psychologist is any good at it so just go do it and if your going to do it don't rule anything out.

[MakeitOrDieTrying]

I went to a therapist 5 years ago, he was doing alright just listening to me and explaining things to me but... I decided to stop going after 1 session. It just felt so embarassing. Why the f am I telling these things to a stranger? What does he care? He doesn't care.

[Waldoman7]

well a therapist can't prescribe meds, that's a psychiatrist. there are good ones and bad ones, but mine has helped me a lot

[UberTroll]

Exactly. If you're going to a therapist rather than a psychiatrist then they should be helping you to work through your problems in other ways besides meds.

[Anonymous]

I was struggling with an eating dissorder and for me a therapist really helped, make shure you bond with them tho otherwise it is a waste of time