Psychotherapy...the best route to go?

linden

New Member

Joined : Aug 2006

Posts : 13

Posted 10/14/2006 12:42 AM (GMT 0)

Psychotherapy...frankly it ruined my life.

I was bothered by flashbacks and vivid memories in early 1994, and it was my quest to delve into these feelings, and so sought out a psychotherapist.

I won't go into great detail about my life, but will unveil it was uncovering childhood sexual abuse. Reliving all of these childhood hurts was a grave mistake, and I sometimes wonder, what really was the point of dredging up the past.

Soon after, my life was met with major depression (later diagnosed with BP), hospitalizations, ECT, too-many-to-count medications, and basically life was hellish.

I'm finally on the road to good mental health after 9 years, but the catalyst to all of this is my psycotherapy sessions. I am not attempting to downplay psych., it probably has been a success with many people, but for me it caused me a life a ruin.

Deb

seechell

Regular Member

Joined : Sep 2006

Posts : 362

Posted 10/14/2006 4:36 AM (GMT 0)

I've just been diagnosed with BP. I'm very very scared right now. The 2 people that I know that have/had BP are not shining examples. That's why I'm here, to get knowledgable input. I'm going to see a social worker/counselor for talk therapy but she told me I needed to see a psychiatrist for a second opinion and so that he can give me meds. I don't think I'd be talking to him, he'd just write my scrips and the counselor would keep him updated with my progress so that he can keep perscribing meds for me. Are you saying that that's not a good idea. I'm not familiar with what psychotherapy is. There are so many things and questions I have and it's the weekend. I've been calling doctors and getting no appt because it's friday and they're closed. I'm sitting here with all of this nervous energy and I can't sit still, I can't sleep. I feel like I'm fipping out. Any advise again would be helpful. I'm jumpy, angry, anxious, etc., etc., etc..

Thanks for your help in advance. I know I need to calm down. I've tried my music, I've tried my xanax, I've taken my sleeping meds, I've tried scent therapy. What have I not tried?

judyinky

Regular Member

Joined : Sep 2006

Posts : 254

Posted 10/14/2006 5:14 AM (GMT 0)

Chelle,
You have a lot going on. Too much to handle alone. I'm glad you decided to write here for support. It's an excellent idea to see a therapist, Chelle. Be sure you find one that you feel comfortable with though. It will take awhile to form a bond with a therapist. A good therapist can help you work through some of the fear and anxiety you have right now, and can help you understand what is going on with your medicatons, and in general be a wonderful support person and teacher of sorts.

It sounds like fear has gripped you tightly. Who diagnoised the bipolar, and what led to the diagnosis if you don't mind me asking? I see that you are on medicaton for depresssion and anxiety. Most likely your psychiatrist will add a mood stabilizer. There are some very good ones that will help you level out.

You might want to think about calling a crisis hotline in your city if you continue to feel so anxious. They have trained counselors working around the clock to help people deal with all kinds of situations. The one in our city is called Crisis and Information Center. I have called before when I have been in bad shape and they talked me through a few rough times.

I hope you can get some rest and peace. It might not hurt to take some benadryl if you have it. It helps me to sleep. 50mg knocks me out. Also, phenagran does the same thing.

Please write back. I'll be up for a little longer. If I don't hear from you again tonight. I'll look for your post tomorrow.

Be Well,

Judy

judyinky

Regular Member

Joined : Sep 2006

Posts : 254

Posted 10/14/2006 5:25 AM (GMT 0)

Deb,
I'm sorry you had to go through all that. It's a shame that a therapist forced that on you when you obviously not at a place in your life to deal with it. Sometimes it's better to not dredge up past things, and for others it can be healing. I've had some of both experiences. I mostly work with real life issues with my therapist.. managing the bp illness and the other illnesses I have, as well as personal issues. I find that to be quite enough. lol.. I've been so ill the last few years physically that it's been difficult to even keep appointments with my therapist, but the times I have, it's been helpful. I don't go dredging up my childhood with a therapist. I used to think that was so important, and for some I'm sure it works, but at the present time, today is about all I can handle.

I'm glad you are on the road to recovery, Deb. It sounds like you have been a lot to get there.
I don't think anyone can imagine what mental suffering is unless they have experienced it.

Be well,

Judy

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