Depression Support Group
Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.
I need to go back to counseling.
I've been trying to do this on my own for far too long. I've let my pride hold me back for far too long.
In my eyes, it's always been ok for other people to go get help. In fact, I encourage other people to go get help. And I've never ever looked down on anyone else for getting help - quite the opposite, I judge people for NOT getting help when they need it. ...without ever seeming to recognize I am one of those people.
I spent about 6 months in weekly counseling when I was 18 and in college. I made a lot of progress during that time, and I learned a lot of coping strategies then really did and do help.
I've been convinced that, having learned those coping strategies, I no longer need to rely on a counselor to see me through the hard times.
I went to counseling again after the extremely rough break up I had at the end of August 2008. But I only went for 3 sessions and decided I was well enough to get back to doing this on my own.
I'm not well enough.
I never have been.
There are things in my past that I've never bothered to deal with, and that I'm not capable of dealing with on my own.
I need to put away my pride and go get the help I need.
I need to take my own advice - the same advice I've thrown at so many of you, and expected you to take, and told you I was proud of you for taking.
Tomorrow I am going to either call or stop in at my campus wellness centre and make an appointment.
What I need from you guys is to help me stick with this decision.
I've been trying to do this on my own for far too long. I've let my pride hold me back for far too long.
In my eyes, it's always been ok for other people to go get help. In fact, I encourage other people to go get help. And I've never ever looked down on anyone else for getting help - quite the opposite, I judge people for NOT getting help when they need it. ...without ever seeming to recognize I am one of those people.
I spent about 6 months in weekly counseling when I was 18 and in college. I made a lot of progress during that time, and I learned a lot of coping strategies then really did and do help.
I've been convinced that, having learned those coping strategies, I no longer need to rely on a counselor to see me through the hard times.
I went to counseling again after the extremely rough break up I had at the end of August 2008. But I only went for 3 sessions and decided I was well enough to get back to doing this on my own.
I'm not well enough.
I never have been.
There are things in my past that I've never bothered to deal with, and that I'm not capable of dealing with on my own.
I need to put away my pride and go get the help I need.
I need to take my own advice - the same advice I've thrown at so many of you, and expected you to take, and told you I was proud of you for taking.
Tomorrow I am going to either call or stop in at my campus wellness centre and make an appointment.
What I need from you guys is to help me stick with this decision.
Just don't forget, your counselor is there to work for YOU. There are good ones and bad ones. If you dont like the way they react to something you tell them, or if they just sit there and expect you to do all the talking, dump them, and DON'T look back.
They are there to help you and if they are judging you or not taking you seriously for something you tell them they suck and don't deserve their job. You should be able to tell these people whatever you want with absolute confidence that they are professionals.
Go in peace,
Mik
Probably won't be back on til late tonight, because I plan to stay at the library for the evening and get some real work done.
I'll let you all know later whether I ballsed-up or chickened-out.
They do not start scheduling appointments for the coming week until Friday morning, so I've been told to call back then to schedule an appointment for next week.
However, they do take drop-ins at 11am and 3pm every day of the week, so they said if I get there early enough hopefully I can see someone tomorrow - though my class runs til ten to 11 so it'll be tight trying to get there in time to get in - they do the drop in on a first come first serve basis soooo... myeah.