Hurting in the counselors chair

[Luv2chill]

So, I’m a psychotherapist who just took the month of September off (maybe longer) due to oppressive anxiety and all the nasty symptom depression. Cleared my entire calendar cuz just didn’t have bandwidth to sit in any mie if others pain. On meds, not helping much. Also have some long term health issues. Frustrated

[IheartDogs]

Sounds like you made a good decision to take time to self-care. You need to be well in order to help your patients. Are you in therapy? If so, consider going 2x per week. Also may need a med re-eval. Hoping you feel better soon!!

[Hidden]

Douglas Bloch on YouTube makes great videos on depression, he is a depression survivor admitted to the hospital a few times. I also took medical leave from work for anxiety and depression and did an intensive outpatient therapy program which was good. It takes time to dig out of the hole, I’m still digging. My faith has saved me.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Yes, keep digging lynnalice, I just love you...❤️🙂❤️

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

❤️❤️❤️🤗

[Calm_mama]

Hi Luv2Chill,

It is fantastic that you have taken time to take care of yourself. I highly recommend the resources I list on my profile! I so strongly believe they can help people make a full recovery. It astonishes me that most professionals in psychology have not heard of Dr. Claire Weekes and her work on overcoming anxiety. I have my theories on why this is, but it's still so surprising to me. She was an early adopter of CBT. She had anxiety herself and recovered. She so thoroughly and completely understood anxiety and how it works, and also understood its relationship to depression. I recommend the Claire Weekes enlightenment video (it's audio) I listed to start. Her book next. I'm partial to the audio. Everything else I've listed is also excellent, and incorporates Dr. Weekes' knowledge and approach. I hope you find these helpful. Wishing you the best!

[Luv2chill in reply to Calm_mama]

I will definitely check out the resources you’ve referenced, thx! Ed

[fauxartist]

I hear ya.... remember the ole sayin: 'physician heal thy self'... your allowed too. I would imagine it can really be a grind on a daily basis for you to cope sometimes with your own stuff.... often therapists have their own therapist just for that reason... people are people...we have to recharge our batteries or it's just burn out. I am glad your sharing here with us, who also have this crap disease.... who better to know than someone else who has it too...welcome

[Luv2chill in reply to fauxartist]

Hi fauxartist. I’ve had to learn about the whole physician heal yourself stuff the hard way. I’ve treated hundreds of folks with this crap and never once considered it could be me sitting on the couch. I’ve actually gone through quite a bit of counseling for other issues and knew I could get meloncholic on occasion but this has taken me out at the knees. Time to be still, get to my counseling appointments and comply with taking the prescribed meds. Thx for your warm welcome! Ed

[fauxartist in reply to Luv2chill]

yeah.... it does knock you for six as the say here... we are all just in the same boat with depression....your in good company here with some very kind and compassionate people.... I'm happy you found us....

[Agora1]

Time to chill, Luv2. I'm glad you're here.

Pain is pain no matter what side of the desk we are sitting on.

You are safe because we care. xx

[Luv2chill in reply to Agora1]

Thx Agora1!

[KellyG1970]

Hi there. I am so sorry to hear you are going through a rough time with anxiety and depression. I too as of last week took a leave of absence from my job as a Social Worker and am starting a Partial Program for severe anxiety. I'm a good listener if you need to vent. Take it day by day moment by moment.

[Luv2chill in reply to KellyG1970]

Hi KellyG. Thx for your reply, sorry to read you’re struggling with this crap too. I looked at a few day programs but was advised to choose psychotropics and intensive individual counseling. I only do direct client counseling and was advised that being in a group setting with lots of data dumping by other pts would be more traumatic for me - “vicarious trauma”. I hope the steps you’ve taken will lead you to a path of deep healing and joy! Blessings, Ed

[gogogirl]

Welcome, and it's nice to see that others get to see the human side of counselors- after all you are people first and foremost. Thankfully, you are taking time to take care of your needs at this time. I hope that you can furthur address your health issues medically, and you find others with whom to vent including those on this site. Time to breathe and renew for yourself especially after all you have done for others. Welcome aboard!