Found a therapist, but they don't yet know about my actual anxiety/depression...

[My_Heart_Is_Hurting]

I need a good way to bring it up. Should I just say, "Hey, I've been thinking that maybe I have Depression/Anxiety," or is there a better way. I've been struggling much more lately... trying to find the happy moments in life and cherish them... but it's just getting harder and harder... school work isn't helping... making my anxiety worse... I just really need to talk to someone professional about what is really happening... but it's over the phone... don't want my family to hear... I close my door to my room... but I never know if they're out there... I just need some advice from people who know about this stuff... thanks.

[prisonmike7]

when i started going to my therapist i just started talking about different things in my life and how they make me feel. i was never diagnosed but she noticed them both. maybe just say kind of the same thing you poseted in this post. about struggling and the pressure of school and trying to stay positive but that it has been really hard lately.

and maybe you could sit outside or go for a walk and talk to your therapist then. i get it is hard to have privacy right now when there is a stay at home order! just keep pushing, one day at a time. even when i dont post some days and i just come on to read others and the responses they get i find strength!

[My_Heart_Is_Hurting in reply to prisonmike7]

Thank you so much for the advice! I think I will try to get on here just to look for strength in others to gain strength. (I don't think I worded that right, but you know what I mean)

[prisonmike7 in reply to My_Heart_Is_Hurting]

any time! i graduated from college in 2018 and last year went back to take more classes and i was really struggling with depression and anxiety. i ended up not doing well and decided it wasnt the right time yet. wishing i would have reached out when i was struggling and maybe the outcome would have been different! so i feel like you are already doing positive things! here if you need someone to talk to

[My_Heart_Is_Hurting in reply to prisonmike7]

Thank you so much! Sometimes it's just nice to know that there are others like me and that if we help each other out, the outcome is often so much better.

[Island2]

That is good you talk about your mood ,do not hide it from your family either.I know how you feel , my suggestion would be read self help books as well.Thats what I do too. "Feeling Good" by Dr.David Burns is a very good book full of practical methods to apply. Also Dale Carnegie 's books are so helpfull. Another book is "Undoing Depression" I forgot the writer but Google it. "The Road Less Travelled" by Dr.Scott Peck is a very good book .I hope I gave you some help .

[My_Heart_Is_Hurting in reply to Island2]

Thanks for all of the suggestions! I love reading, and when I find a book I really like, it's one of my favorite things in the world. I'll definitely look into the ones you suggested, thanks again!

[Ubud2021]

Yes! Bring it up! It will be so good for you. Being direct, open and honest is the only way you will get what you truly need out of therapy!

Also, if you have a car, go outside and do sessions in your car! That’s what I do. If you don’t have a car, I’m sure your parents or whoever you’re with wouldn’t mind letting you sit in their car. If they ask why, just be honest! That you would like to get the best help you can, and in order for you to do that, you need to be able to feel comfortable and safe. 💕

[My_Heart_Is_Hurting]

Thank you so much! You have no idea how much that helps! THANK YOU!!!!

[Ubud2021 in reply to My_Heart_Is_Hurting]

I am so glad (: my pleasure

[Bobatea]

Sorry to hear that you're having a hard time. When you're new to doing something, it may feel awkward. Since you've found a professional to talk to, maybe the best way to approach this topic is to just put it out there and have them guide you. Perhaps you can also share your concerns about your family knowing and get some guidance on that as well. Sending you courage and peace my friend.

[My_Heart_Is_Hurting in reply to Bobatea]

Thank you! That is a great idea!

[SearchingForTheLight]

Write a note and just say I’m not sure why but this is almost impossible for me to say out loud. Keep your head up! You’re in school! Working hard! No need to feel bad for yourself you’re bettering yourself! we’re all just pretending we know how to live life.

[My_Heart_Is_Hurting in reply to SearchingForTheLight]

Thank you so much! "We're all just pretending we know how to live life". That is so true! I love that! Thank you!