Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - my girl thinks I should see a doctor about depression

Jinn · 04-01-2008, 07:14 AM

DK:

I nearly made a post like yours, in much the same tone, with the same conclusions. I believe the same thing about our "moods"; they are our responsibility, and we're ultimately the only ones in charge of how we feel, how we react, and what affects us.

That said, f I'm guilty of one egregious error, it is my penchant for assuming that everyone is like me.

I habitually assume that because something is the right solution for me it is the right solution for others. While I think self-control of our own moods is an excellent aspiration, and I wish that everyone were capable of it, some people are not. Some people need a friend to talk to, some people need a therapist to talk to. So while I personally don't see value in therapy, I also realize that not everyone has been trained as I have to control their moods. Even I, the humbly declared God of my own moods, could have such catastrophic things happen (death of multiple family members, loss of limbs, etc) that I would need professional assistance. It's naive to think that there isn't a set of circumstances that could put you in dire need for psychological intervention, no matter how "in control" you feel.

It is an EXCELLENT aspiration to move towards controlling your own self and moods without the assistance of others, or the assistance of drugs. At the very least, it's cheaper. But if you find yourself unable to cope to the point that you need assistance, don't hesitate to fork over the cash and find a good therapist. There are still enough good ones out there who will work to wean you of their help, and it's a good investment.

EDIT: It's also worth noting that I've made terribly declarative posts like yours in the past on TFP (check my thread history), and it's really only because of people like MM, Abaya and jewels that I've come to accept that my solution isn't the right solution for everyone, no matter what the discussion. People are just way too diverse to develop a catch-all solution.

04-01-2008, 07:14 AM	#38 (permalink)
Jinn Lover - Protector - Teacher Location: Seattle, WA	DK: I nearly made a post like yours, in much the same tone, with the same conclusions. I believe the same thing about our "moods"; they are our responsibility, and we're ultimately the only ones in charge of how we feel, how we react, and what affects us. That said, f I'm guilty of one egregious error, it is my penchant for assuming that everyone is like me. I habitually assume that because something is the right solution for me it is the right solution for others. While I think self-control of our own moods is an excellent aspiration, and I wish that everyone were capable of it, some people are not. Some people need a friend to talk to, some people need a therapist to talk to. So while I personally don't see value in therapy, I also realize that not everyone has been trained as I have to control their moods. Even I, the humbly declared God of my own moods, could have such catastrophic things happen (death of multiple family members, loss of limbs, etc) that I would need professional assistance. It's naive to think that there isn't a set of circumstances that could put you in dire need for psychological intervention, no matter how "in control" you feel. It is an EXCELLENT aspiration to move towards controlling your own self and moods without the assistance of others, or the assistance of drugs. At the very least, it's cheaper. But if you find yourself unable to cope to the point that you need assistance, don't hesitate to fork over the cash and find a good therapist. There are still enough good ones out there who will work to wean you of their help, and it's a good investment. EDIT: It's also worth noting that I've made terribly declarative posts like yours in the past on TFP (check my thread history), and it's really only because of people like MM, Abaya and jewels that I've come to accept that my solution isn't the right solution for everyone, no matter what the discussion. People are just way too diverse to develop a catch-all solution. __________________ "I'm typing on a computer of science, which is being sent by science wires to a little science server where you can access it. I'm not typing on a computer of philosophy or religion or whatever other thing you think can be used to understand the universe because they're a poor substitute in the role of understanding the universe which exists independent from ourselves." - Willravel Last edited by Jinn; 04-01-2008 at 07:23 AM..