Finding a therapist for existential oriented depression (SA)?

[Owly]

Hi all,

I am currently struggling with what I would describe atypical depression - I have high self esteem, don't suffer from stress from specific events, but have an underlying feeling of depression and despair from living in a society I don't understand or feel comfortable living in.

To me, most people seem to be disconnected from the world around them, either lacking in deep values (superficiality, and ignorance), not acting in accordance to their values (in-authenticity), or they have values that justifies harm and cruelty to others (including other species). This can be justified looking at all the underlying trends of social and environmental issues we are faced with today. Humanity now has a effect on the world that is many magnitudes of order out of balance than it has been for hundreds of millions of years.

When participating in our society, it is basically impossible to do so in anything other than a superficial way. You have no idea what really goes into those products you buy, in terms of who's labour, what they were paid, where all the resources came from, is it safe, the effects on the environment or other social issues. 

In the past, I dealt with this by ignoring these feelings, focusing on day to day live, focusing on the moment, which worked to an extent. But when I do this over time, I feel disconnected from the world. The longer I try to live focusing on just day to day issues, the harder it hits when I snap out of it. The problem is once you have delved deeply into scientific and social issues, you realise the shallowness of our current science (which I studied at university) and the immense difficulty in dealing with social issues, is difficulty to 'un-see' them. It is also incredibly frustrating to see people whom I admire working very hard and creatively to deal with these issues, with little to no measurable progress.

Additionally, I have struggled with chronic illness since I was an adolescent, which has limited my ability to actually get involved in these issues in a substantial way.

 I have a generic referral for a clinical psychologist under the govt mental health care plan system.

As such, I am looking for a more open minded therapist in Adelaide who is experienced at dealing with existential issues and has a flexible approach to therapy, rather than trying to use a pre-canned method (eg CBT). I have tried Googling, but all of the descriptions seem to be generic.

If anyone has any concrete suggestions, it will be greatly appreciated!

[Jacko777]

Hi Owly,

Welcome to the Beyond Blue forums, I am very glad you have posted and I relate closely to what you are saying. 

The things you say are very true, it seems that not enough people have a deep connection or deep values. However, you and I can help them. I don't know what your chronic illness is but I can see you can type and you have a strong command of the english language, I think you can get involved in a substantial way and help people and Nature. 

It helps me to practice compassion for those that appear to be disconnected, it is not their fault and there are so many diversions to keep them placated. You and I are not responsible for these people, only our selves. 

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

Don't worry about everyone else Owly, just ensure you are in that small group that is changing the world, it might be a journey to find where that place is for you. Maybe it is right here on this wonderful site.

Jack

[Chris_B]

Hi Owly,

Welcome to the forums. We're unable to provide recommendations for specific practitioners here on the forums, but you can look up practitioners in your local area using our practitioner directory.

[Owly]

Hi, Chris, how exactly am I supposed to use this practitioner directory tool to find someone who is experienced in helping people who are facing similar issues to me?

To start with, the list of things in the dropdown menus is far too generic (and the list of treatments itself is incomplete too).

I have no way of knowing who if any of these 80+ therapists will be useful as I have no way of judging between them. I am feeling more overwhelmed after looking at this long list of names than when I asked this question yesterday.

[Jacko777]

Hi Owly,

Perhaps you could give the Beyond Blue phone service a try, particularly if you are feeling overwhelmed, there are professionals to take your call, maybe they can help you to narrow down a list of suitable therapists.

Jack

[Jacko777]

And I guess if it was me, I would start with the closest therapist, (there are links to their websites when you do a location search), give them a call, talk to them over the phone first and if I like the sound of them I would make an appointment. All these people are trained professionals, I would trust that they know how to handle my situation.

Jack

[Chris_B]

Hi Owly,

I'm sorry you've found the practitioner directory difficult to use. It sounds like calling our support service on 1300 22 4636 and speaking to someone over the phone would be better for you at this time. While we are unable to provide recommendations or endorsements for specific therapists, if you explain your needs to one of our counsellors they may be able to assist in recommending types of therapy that could be beneficial in your situation, which would help you in narrowing down the list of therapists to try.

Jacko's advice above about researching a practitioner before you make an appointment is good, you are perfectly entitled to do this. Perhaps writing down any questions you have first about how the therapist works with their clients and sending them through in an email could be helpful.

You might also wish to try the Australian Psychological Society directory.

Finally, please have a look through some of the the other threads here in the Treatments forum. There are a number of discussions about different types of therapy other than CBT that members have found useful.

[JessF]

Hello Owly, it would be nice if there were a Trip Advisor for psychologists but unfortunately there isn't. You just have to use trial and error until you find one that is right for you, that is what I had to do, and when I went looking for my first therapist there wasn't a list available I could even look at. Feeling overwhelemed by the choices available is a bit like feeling overwhelmed because there are too many brands of breakfast cereal at the supermarket, it's just a fact of life.

Not all psychologists do "canned" therapy like CBT, there are others that do more traditional forms of psychoanalysis, or even schema therapy (I have done this) where it is more personalised and delves deeper into what is going on for you. Try and see this as a starting point for your research. Ask questions. Don't give up at the first hurdle.

[Kate81]

Hi Owly,

I am after a therapist for the exact same thing and totally understand your desire to find someone versed in existential-orientated depression. Did you find anyone? I am based in the ACT but thought there might be someone who practices online?

Cheers,

Kate

[Kate81]

Hi Owly,

I just wrote asking how you went finding someone, but I'd also love to know whether, if you had therapy, how it went for you? My partner suffers from the type of depression you so eloquently describe and I am wondering what the therapy options are for him, as my feeling is that generalist psych or counsellor, just wouldn't be right for him.

Thanks,

Kate.