Psychologist / counselor questions and fears

[Burdy]

Hi everyone,

I have been hanging around the forum for a week or so now and am finding it very useful and generally feel a lot better after venting in a thread, thank you all.

During this time it is has occurred to me (and been mentioned by my hubby a few times) that I may need to see a psychologist or counselor, I feel like I have so much stuff inside that I need to get out.

My issue here is I have a bit of fear around this due to past experience.

My mother was always derogatory about people with mental illness, "stress, depression, anxiety etc is a man made disease" and "he/she just needs to toughen up and get on with it" type attitude and I recall these things being said ALOT.

There was also a time once when she gas lighted me, tried to have my ex convinced I was nuts and told me I could not have my son unless I went to counseling (my husband and I had separated, I asked her to look after my son for the night while he and I sorted a few things so as not in front of my toddler son, next day went to pick him up at the arranged time and she refused to hand him over and gave me the counseling ultimatum) so I went but of course it was a counselor she chose and after only 2 sessions I found out the counselor had reported to my mother everything I had said in the sessions and I was in big trouble.

So now I am a bit hesitant to see someone but I know I probably need to speak with someone trained to deal with my issues, absolutely no offence to anyone here you have all been wonderful but I think I also need a professional, maybe.

Also what is the cost usually? Affordability is also a concern (or excuse maybe)

Thank you again

Burdy

[Doolhof]

Hi Burdy,

It certainly is beneficial to have some plans and goals that are achievable to aim for. I often make a list of things I would like to achieve in a day or maybe for the week. If I don't manage much one day, I can try again the next day.

It can be helpful to seek professional assistance or even to explore through Google and library books how to help yourself when you feel depressed.

Having an idea of how to cope during rough times helps me. We never know when a difficult day is going to happen and there is no need to feel silly either.

My psychologist has been teaching me to accept the depression and not to fight it so much!

Regarding limited income this time of year, can you look to see what free community events are available in your region?

I have attended a couple of community Christmas events by myself and really enjoyed them.

Thanks for sharing. Cheers from Dools

[MsPurple]

Hi Burdy

I think it is an excellent idea to go get a referal to a psychologist. I myself feel like my issues are minor. But my busy brain full of worries doesn't agree with me. I find comparing myself to others (e.g. my issues aren't as big as others etc) makes me feel worse, so I try avoid thinking like this. Or acknowledge that my issues may not be a big as others, but I am still worth it

I also a not a big fan of xmas time of year. I work in a hospital and am actually working xmas day this year. So it kinda sucks because my family is all down in Central Coast. Lucky for me I have 3 days off after xmas so can see them after. During this time of year I try remind myself I need to continue with self care. This for me includes trying to do meditation (I use a free app on my phone), reading a book, exercising. Things to keep my anxious brain busy and well.

I think it is great you have come to the forums. It would be good to get to know you more. Feel free to share or discuss things you'd like on here. ALso you are welcome to go to other threads also