I haven't posted in a while... my life has been pretty hectic (both good things and crazy things lol). But i haven't forgotten about the nice online community hear at HealthUnlocked.
Little update on me... I know in one of my first post I talked about how I was newly dealing with anxiety and a little depression and that I planned on seeking help. Well... I did! I spoke to my PCP and she referred me to a therapist. I was hesitant on calling at first (took me about 3 weeks to work up the nerve to finally call) but I did it today. I have my first appointment next week. A little nervous but glad i'm taking control on my life.
Good for you! I know it was hard for me to finally realize that I couldn't deal with this on my own. I found a great counselor and she has helped me so much. I still deal with the anxiety, but it comes and goes. I have learned to appreciate the good days and deal with the bad ones. I don't know how my journey will end, but I know getting help was the absolutely right thing to do. my best wishes and prayers are with you on your journey. Keep us posted on how things go for you!
Yea I think it will help me. It exactly how you explained it, I have good days and then there are bad days. I hope this just makes it easier to manager. I will keep you guys posted
It's a roller coaster ride sometimes, but I am sure that doing this will help. It was scary for me at first and took a few visits to get comfortable. It really is a step in the right direction. I realize the fact that I knew I needed help was the most important step. It's still an uphill journey, but I feel like I'm getting there. I know you will too!
Many people who have never participated in a therapy session are scared and wonder what it will be like so they delay making their first appointment. I was worried too.
Here’s some stuff I’ve found helpful when preparing for my first session with a new therapist. It’s not a rigid set of rules, but for anyone like me who likes to feel extra prepared before they do anything, these are some things that should help you feel a little more comfortable.
1. Think about what you want from therapy
Are you hoping a therapist can help you through a specific situation or stressful event?
Are you planning for therapy to be a longterm relationship?
Do you want a place where you can vent?
Do you want to learn techniques for dealing with depression /anxiety?
It’s important to think about what you’d like to gain from therapy sessions so you can mention that from the get-go, and have an internal timeline for when you’ll feel like therapy’s accomplished its purpose.
For me, I want to use therapy as a place where I can learn techniques to deal with my troubling thoughts, get to the reasons I fall to particular patterns of thinking, and get to chat about things without feeling judged in a safe environment.
2. Ask your therapist if you can have a phone call before your session.
It’ll help make you a little more comfortable with the person you’re about to spill your guts to, and will make walking into their office a load less intimidating.
3. Decide what you’d like from your therapist.
Remain open to their approach, but it’s worth thinking about what style of therapist you’d like to chat to.
Do you want someone who will offer advice? Listen silently? Would you like them to be casual and chatty or feel more like an expert?
4. Make a list of things you’d like to bring up in your first session
You don’t need to bring the list along with you (but you can if it’s helpful), It’s handy to have a clear idea of things you definitely want to discuss.
5. Have any questions about the logistics – payment, appointment timings, appointment frequency – prepared
This is essential stuff to find out, so make sure you note down the questions you need to ask and, ideally, cover them first.
If you don’t ask these questions you’ll come out of the session annoyed at yourself for not doing it, and you’ll feel a whole load of uncertainty and stress about whether you’re coming back to the same therapist.
6. Be prepared to retell you history again. Put some key points about medication you have tried and the people you have seen. If you want to be super efficient Google medical history forms for ideas on how to present your information. Therapy usually starts after the 1st session which I like to call the meet and greet hour which is the beginning of forming a trusting relationship together.
7. You should feel safe, accepted, respected, and relatively comfortable. Not all therapists are right for every person, so use your first session to assess whether or not the therapist you chose feels like a good match for you personally.
8. If you don't want to think this far ahead, tear up rules 1-7.
Thank you so much for the advice, blackcat64013! I will take all of these into consideration. I honestly didn't even think of it that way and you have given me a little example of what I should except and look forward too. I really appreciate it!
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One step at a time
no where to go
Feeling hopeless..No one to talk to
Finding someone to talk to
Time 
