I think i REALLY need a therapist.

[krazykidd]

Okay , so iv'e finally taken the first step and admited to myself that i need to see a therapist, I have a lot of issues i need help getting through ( though i will not go into detail on the forum ) and i think im a little ( a lot ) depresive. Also im boarderline suicidal ( now i don't see myself actually killing myself , but i often wish something would accidentaly end me everytime i go outside ). Every site on depression says that if you have suicidal thoughts to immediatly get help , which is what im doing.

So here's my question.

I don't know anything about therapy , so how do i go about finding a therapist , what are things i need to do ( if anything ) beforehand. What kind of preperation goes into this kidna thing ?

( if you haven't figured it out by now im a little self-conscious, and i dont deal with the unknown very well hence this is why im here )

Thanks in Advance


Capatcha : In Limbo

 

[Sandernista]

So I'm really not sure how to answer your question, I had a lot of help seeking therapy, but I'd like to congratulate you on seeking therapy. It took some very bad things for me to finally admit I needed therapy. Good luck.

 

[Zantos]

There's very little preparation that goes into it, my first session was basically just going through how it works and what happens. They understand that if it's your first time you'll probably be apprehensive so they try and ease you in.

Only real preparation I did was to practice saying some of the things I wanted to say by talking to myself or inanimate objects. But that's only because I tend to stutter if I haven't thought about what I want to say. It can also help though if you're not used to talking to people.

 

[zombiesinc]

Okay , so iv'e finally taken the first step and admited to myself that i need to see a therapist, I have a lot of issues i need help getting through ( though i will not go into detail on the forum ) and i think im a little ( a lot ) depresive. Also im boarderline suicidal ( now i don't see myself actually killing myself , but i often wish something would accidentaly end me everytime i go outside ). Every site on depression says that if you have suicidal thoughts to immediatly get help , which is what im doing.

I'd avoid self-diagnosing, and over-analyzing, period. It won't do you any good, and you're only going to work yourself up... very likely to a point in which you'd start to genuinely believe you're correct. Now it's entirely possible that you could be correct, to at least some degree, but you don't have the education to properly diagnose anyone, especially yourself.

So here's my question.

I don't know anything about therapy , so how do i go about finding a therapist , what are things i need to do ( if anything ) beforehand. What kind of preperation goes into this kidna thing ?

I'd suggest finding out what mental health related services are available in your town/city, and go from there. If you have no idea how to go about finding that out, simply call the hospital and tell them you're looking for a therapist. They should be able to provide you with at least one number. Get that number, give them a call, and explain your situation. I would avoid going into too much detail initially, 'cause it's more than likely you'll be talking to a receptionist. Simply let them know that you've been feeling extremely down lately, with no motivation or energy... and whatever else applies to you. Once you've briefly explained that, let them know you'd like to get in touch with a therapist, and ask them if you're going about it the correct way. Assuming you've called the correct area, they should be able to help you out, whether it be suggestions on what you can do personally and on your own time, or making you an appointment with someone. From there you'll be guided, every step of the way. All you need to worry about is being honest and open, although that's much easier said than done. Best of luck.

 

[Crazy Zaul]

Well first if ure gonna go to therapy u need the massive wad of money it will cost.

 

[SckizoBoy]

Hmmm... well, bear in mind that the advice I give is based on the assumption that whichever country you live in, the health service is similar to that of the UK.

Here, the best thing to do would be to go see your GP and tell them that you think you might have some mental health difficulties. They'll make a referral to the local mental health trust and arrange an appointment to see a counsellor or psychotherapist or similar. (If not, then just do as per zombiesinc's advice).

As for when you have the referral appointment, remember that whoever you see, they're there to listen. You have to do the talking, but keep a rein on how much detail you give, because, believe me, you don't have enough time to go through it all. Just keep with the major factors of what you believe is the matter with you. They'll ask a few routine questions (family background etc.) either at the start or at the end and make a judgement. Chances are, you'll have a short course of sessions during which you can say whatever and however much you wish to say. Just treat it as a personable chat with a barman. And at the end this will confirm whether it's a short term or long term problem. After that, I can't really say what will happen (more therapy, or hopefully, you feel better in yourself).

Either way, best of luck.

 

[renegade7]

I would start by calling your city's hospital, they'll be able to recommend a good mental health clinic.