Somatic psychotherapy

[Mum98]

Hi

I'm a mum with a 26 yr old daughter suffering from anxiety and depression. She is living back home with me and so I'm caring for her. She is going to a counsellor who is a somatic psychotherapist. My question is around counselling in general for anxiety and depression. Is it enough when she is severely depressed? She tried a psychologist for three sessions but when medication was discussed she stopped. She sits at home all day (doesn't work) tells me she needs to just sit with her feelings. These range from anger to sadness to anything in-between. I have tried to talk about taking a multi disciplinary approach that also helps her to re-enter the world. She doesn't go out has lost touch with all friends etc. won't agree to some kind of daily routine. Doesn't sleep. I have asked her to speak to her GP about medication. She prefers to take herbal treatments. I'm trying to accept that this counsellor is helping but what I see is her getting worse. 

any advise/experience with this type of counselling would be helpful

mum

[Jacko777]

Hi Mum98,

Welcome to the Beyond Blue forums Mum, I am glad you are talking about this. I hope there will be people on this site that will have experience with this form of treatment.

It will be hard for us to tell if this is an appropriate form of treatment for your daughter, firstly I am not a doctor and mostly, everyone is different, this might work well for her, this treatment might be enough. But like you, I would expect to see some improvement or at least see some activity that might lead to recovery. I wonder how long she plans to 'sit with these feelings' and how she came to this form of treatment, was this suggested by a GP?

If you think this treatment is not working you could get some advice from the Beyond Blue phone service, it's free and 24/7. It's good that she is trying to do something hey, you can stay compassionate and share in her progress, you could ask her how it's going and point out when she is 'not being herself'. How often is she seeing this counsellor?

Jack

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Mum98,

Thanks for reaching out to BB.

It's hard to really pinpoint exactly how much is needed when someone is severely depressed.  As a psychologist, I would imagine that if she was concerned for her wellbeing the appointments would either be more regular or they might be referring to other services in addition for their own support (such as Mind or Headspace).

I wonder if it's worth starting that conversation again with your daughter; how long does she want to sit with her feelings?  Does she feel better after sitting for a while?  Would she consider seeing somebody else? 

I would definately encourage you to help her either re-see her psychologist or find another one that she can connect with.  Ultimately it's your daughters choice to either start or stop that medication and so reassuring that she can control her own healthcare might help her feel a little bit more in control.  There are certainly a number of different professionals out there that can help people who are depressed (with or without medication), so not-taking it doesn't necessarily reflect her recovery.

Good luck - just take it one small step at a time. 🙂

[Solace11]

Hi Mum98

Firstly, I commend you for seeking support and advice  yourself. I was like your daughter too. I can understand her reluctance to take medication. I was once on them but found they made me numb and emotionless. Although, everyone reacts differently with medication and there are many options out there. I also study counselling too which has helped me with my own recovery. By know means am I totally cured but I have learned valuable tools in managing myself without medication. I went to counsellors and psychologists, hypnotherapist, spiritual retreats, meditation classes, massages etc....

For a while I felt no different emotionally and then overtime all the small steps I took were working on a subconscious level. I found slowly I was able to do more and more with my days. I went from suicidal to working, living on my own and studying. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results straight away. It took me years before I could leave the house. Eventually, I got tired of laying in bed and was determined to find the treatment that would give me my life back. I had supportive family that didn't push me to do anything besides keep my appointments with my psychologist. I also had friends that would visit suggesting alternative therapies.

Journaling I found very helpful. Perhaps while she is sitting with her feelings she can write them down. Once she has written down how she is feeling then perhaps suggest how she would like to feel? If she had an ideal life what would it look like. Break the negative thought process by getting her to think of a better version of her life. Then slowly guide her to think of ways to make her feel better. Maybe you can take her to a relaxation massage, mediation class to help her guide her thoughts to more positive things.

Everyone deals with their depression differently. As hard as it is to watch your daughter struggle, she needs to find a way of coping that works for her. Additionally, it is equally important to take care of your own wellbeing too.

Hope this helps.