topic Re: What is best in Treatments, health professionals and therapies

What is best

K_Ley — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 07:57:30 GMT

So, I am currently receiving online therapy for my condition. Whilst the therapist is great and we are getting on perfectly, I have to wonder if face to face therapy is better. This is my 2nd online therapist as I wanted to talk about my self-harming thoughts with the first one and they said they would be ending the sessions as it was not professional to keep going in that situation as they were not able to identify if something had triggered me. I get that, but because of it I have not told this therapist any of that information. Yes, I know I need to tell her, but I don't want to lose her and/or start all over again with a new therapist.

where to begin

K_Ley — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 12:48:47 GMT

I am just beginning my journey with anxiety and probable depression as well. Have more assessments this week and development of my mental health care plan. This all came about after losing four loved ones in less than 2 years and things started to fall apart at work. Feeling scared and vulnerable right now.

Re: where to begin

Maisy Nina — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 23:25:38 GMT

Good on you for recognising the issues and getting a Mental Health Care Plan - I hope this helps you to develop new coping strategies. Remember there are always 24/7 hotlines you can call if you need to talk.

Encouragement and blessings xo

Re: where to begin

quirkywords — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 06:12:45 GMT

K-ley

The grief from loss of 4 loved ones in 2 years is a lot for anyone to cope with.

T are it slowly and I am glad you are getting help.

Re: where to begin

NarawadeeL — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 01:22:53 GMT

As you've said it, it's just the beginning. We all have to start somewhere right? Most of us won't be able to fathom the pain that you're dealing with, so just know that you're already so brave and strong for seeking help.

Best wishes,

Mental Health Care Plan

K_Ley — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 05:23:47 GMT

Hi. I was booked in to get a mental health care plan about 3 weeks ago, but it didn't happen due to the GP double booking and running late and so didn't have time to do it before closing. I was then booked to go away for two weeks, and the GP said to return to her when I got back. I haven't been back and am wondering if I really need to. I am pretty sure I do have anxiety and Low mood (that's what my online therapist called it). I have also recently self-harmed and whilst I have sessions with the therapist twice a week at the moment, I am wondering if I would benefit from some face-to-face sessions.

Re: Mental Health Care Plan

sunnyl20 — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 06:12:58 GMT

Hi K_Ley,

I'm really sorry to hear that things are feeling difficult right now. If your GP is someone that you trust and feel that you can be open with about how you are feeling, I think it is really important that you see her, especially given the self-harm.

Face-to-face sessions can definitely have advantages over telehealth, and you may find that you get a bit more out of it - definitely worth trying if you are open to it.

Please feel free to reply as and when you need, I am here to listen.

Take care.

Re: Mental Health Care Plan

K_Ley — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 06:26:32 GMT

Thank you for your reply appreciate it. I wouldn't say that about the GP, I have only been living where I am for just over a year and only go to GP when I absolutely have to. I am just so confused about all the options and what is the best way to go

Re: Mental Health Care Plan

sunnyl20 — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 06:37:42 GMT

It can be hard to navigate when there are lots of options, you're right. If you don't feel comfortable with the current GP, it is probably worthwhile finding someone who you do feel more comfortable with. GP websites often have a profile for each GP and some GPs do have a special interest in mental health. Otherwise, you may be able to see your current GP and just tell her what is needed to get the Care Plan. Your therapist may also have some advice on GPs and the best path to take with that.

Re: What is best

sunnyl20 — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 09:46:23 GMT

Hi K_Ley,

It is great to hear that you have been able to receive some support for your condition. I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling unable to speak openly with your therapist about everything that is going on for you. From what you've described, it sounds like face to face therapy is definitely something to consider.

While a good relationship with your current therapist is important, it is a concern if you feel that you cannot speak about your self-harming and your safety. Is there an option to see your current therapist face-to-face?

Please feel free to reply as and when you feel up to it - we are here to listen and offer support.
Take care.

Re: What is best

K_Ley — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 11:16:01 GMT

no she is in the UK. its through the betterhelp app.

Re: What is best

sunnyl20 — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 05:43:57 GMT

Hi K_Ley,

Finding a good therapist that you connect with can be difficult, so I do understand your hesitancy in telling her given your past experience. Is there anyone else that you feel able to talk to about this? For example, would you be able to talk to your GP? I think it is really important that you are able to let someone know given it does concern your safety. Would you feel open to doing this?

It is challenging to have the prospect of a therapist ending sessions due to safety risk - in face-to-face therapy my understanding is that the therapist has a responsibility to develop a safety plan with supports in place and to ensure adequate follow-up but I do not know whether this is the same with the betterhelp app.

Would it be a possibility to broach the topic of self-harm with your current therapist to gauge her response?

Re: What is best

P12 — Sat, 21 Oct 2023 03:04:33 GMT

My experience is that face to face meetings are more effective than online meetings.

My experience is also that effective long term treatment requires a close connection between practitioner and individual. I think treatment will not fully work long term if you cannot discuss some topics with a practitioner. However, I have still found some benefit from taking a short term approach. I have found the process of obtaining a close connection very difficult. I have consulted roughly 10-11 different practitioners.

Diagnosis

K_Ley — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 09:29:29 GMT

So in total shock right now. I finally had the courage to go to the GP for a mental health treatment plan. Through the course of the consultation, I was asked to complete a questionnaire regarding my current state. I left the doctor being told that I was suffering moderately severe depression, extremely severe anxiety, and severe stress. And as a result of recent self-harm would need to be re-assessed monthly for the next six months. My whole world is spinning right now. I never dreamed that I was suffering so much. Yet those around me saw it. Why was I so oblivious. Why didn't i get help sooner.

Re: Diagnosis

therising — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 18:06:26 GMT

Hi K_Ley

It's good to hear that you now having a starting point which to work from, thanks to those who led you to see your GP. So, now it's a matter of 'Where to go from here?'. A solid circle of people who can support and guide you is absolutely key. Your doctor, family members and friends is a good start. Adding people to the circle as you go along can be about looking out for who works best in that circle. A good psychologist vs a mediocre one, for example, a worker at your local cafe who always leads you to smile each day or at least once a week, someone on YouTube perhaps that often provides much needed revelations, no matter who they are they'll make some difference (big or small). It becomes a circle of people who raise you in a variety of ways (raising your spirits, consciousness/awareness, level of optimism and enthusiasm, energy levels etc etc).

I think unless we're familiar with the signs, we just don't see it coming (a period of depression, anxiety or something else that deeply challenges us). Unless we can say 'I know this feeling' or 'I know where this is leading, based on past experience' it's not always obvious. Even people who are experienced with mental health challenges don't always recognise the lead up at times. I think sometimes inner dialogue can play a part in that. We can be telling our self, it's not as bad as it seems' or 'If I just do this or that everything will be okay'. Then the inner critic can start of creep in, more and more over the passing days or weeks, 'You're hopeless. Everyone else can cope. You're just weak'. Sometimes it can sound more like the people pleaser in us, 'It doesn't matter if you don't have enough time and you've got a stack of things on your plate, you have to serve that person (you have to please)'. So, as the inner critic starts to gradually become depressing and the people pleaser in us demands that we take on so much to the point where it's anxiety inducing, things really start to escalate. The lead up can all be so subtle.

As you set out to become more conscious of your triggers, your feelings, your inner dialogue and so much more, I wish you many revelations on you path, ones that bring you a sense of light and inspiration.❤️

Re: Diagnosis

smallwolf — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 11:56:39 GMT

'm really sorry to hear about your recent experience, but please know that you've taken a courageous and crucial step by seeking help. Mental health struggles can be difficult to recognize in ourselves, and it's common for those around us to notice the signs before we do.

The important thing is that you've now started your journey towards healing and recovery. Try not to dwell on why you didn't seek help sooner; focus on the fact that you are now taking action to improve your mental well-being. Small steps... and one day at a time. Listening ...