How do you know when you need Therapy? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Randerolf · 07-12-2003, 09:57 PM

I felt bad tonight, but will spare the details.

How do you know that you need thearpay? At what point does one reach when one should seek professional help?

rival · 07-12-2003, 10:58 PM

If you've got too much money and too much time on your hands, it's time to look into therapy. Otherwise, suck it up and deal. Do you really want someone charging you a $100 an hour to listen to you bitch? Then charge you another $100 for a bottle full of placebos?

GakFace · 07-13-2003, 12:53 AM

NOT everywhere do you have to give money.. and its not always expensive.. and you dont' always get meds. Psychologists don't give the meds, those are Psychiatrists.

If you feel like you want or need to get some things out... Go speak to one, you don't have to be fucked up to talk to a Psychologist. You can tell them anything and they won't go off making rumors. The "Suck it up and deal" method isn't appropriate. Just because Society says that guys should "walk it off" doesn't mean its always right.

The difference between a friend and a professional is that the professional won't repeat what you say to another. Sure you friend says they won't, but if its big.. sometimes they just can't help but to. Also, a professional has been trained to help you, something a friend most likely has not. Beyond that, you can tell a professional things you just can't tell others.

Rival: Why do you think too much time and money? Its not a load of shit, regardless of what you may think. Society has just made it look like this:
Girls --> Go talk if you have a problem.
Guys --> Suck It Up... Ya Big Baby!

Something is wrong here....

For the Curious, I am going to college and plan on being a Psychologist myself, and yes, I am a guy.

TIO · 07-13-2003, 01:16 AM

Randerolf, head off to a shrink. Even if it costs a bit, they can really do some great work, and could save you from becoming totally unbalanced and becoming a hazard to yourself and others.

rival · 07-13-2003, 01:49 AM

First off, I didn't say it was a guy thing. This isn't a gender issue. This is about people in general having a bad night or a rough week and immediately crying that they need professional help. It's the complete pussification of our society.

People managed to face world wars, great economic depressions and a slew of other earth shattering tragedies without a single Prozac for centuries. Suddenly, now everyone who has a bad dream needs professional help.

It's time, that we as a society, gave up all this psychosomatic bullshit and got on with our lives. If you can't deal with the bullshit of your day to day life, change your fucking life. Don't go throwing money and time into trying to achieve a false happines.

Lebell · 07-13-2003, 01:59 AM

I'm sorry, I have to strongly disagree with some of the posters above.

Part of our problem as a culture is EXACTLY that "Suck it up" attitude. The Japanese are the ultimate "suck it up" society and they also have the highest suicide rate in in the world.

Randerolf, if you are consistantly down, feel tired all the time, can't seem to get motivated or just feel like giving up, I would strongly recomend a good therapist.

If you are on a limited income, most will work with you on a sliding scale, so you shouldn't let money dictate your mental health treatment anymore than you would your physical health.

Remember, No one is an island.

Good luck!

lurkette · 07-13-2003, 05:30 AM

If your feeling down is more than just occasional, is impairing your ability to perform the normal tasks of daily living, or is interfering with your ability to enjoy life, or if you're having suicidal thoughts, you might want to look into professional help. I don't know the specifics of your "condition" but finding someone who practices cognitive behavior therapy may be a good option. It's focused on identifying and shifting the thought processes behind your emotional states, it's usually short-term (so no 3 years of yakking to someone on a couch with no results) and is highly effective (clinically it's as good as meds for treating mild depressions).

Here's a directory: <a href="http://www.aabt.org/CLINICAL/CLINICAL.HTM">http://www.aabt.org/CLINICAL/CLINICAL.HTM</a>

Usually C-B therapists can't prescribe meds but if you decide they're for you, they can refer you to someone who can. It's covered by most insurance plans.

Good luck.

tikki · 07-13-2003, 11:30 AM

If you felt bad because you needed to vent, start a weblog to throw all your feelings and emotions out on.

If it was something more than that, go visit a therapist for a session, and see how you feel after it.

Leviathan[NCV] · 07-13-2003, 03:20 PM

Professional help is for everyone. Even if life is going perfect, they can give you a good objective point of view to help you make good decisions.

MSD · 07-13-2003, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rival
People managed to face world wars, great economic depressions and a slew of other earth shattering tragedies without a single Prozac for centuries. Suddenly, now everyone who has a bad dream needs professional help.

Before Prozac, there was a simple solution to everything. Drinking. Depressed? Drink. Hard day at work? Drink. Kids who were beaten didn't say anything because parents weren't to be questioned. Wives didn't say anything about abusive husbands mistreating them because a woman's place is in the home and she didn't have a right to complain.

Anyway, to answer the question, you need therapy if you are unable to think normally due to persistant depressed or abnormal thoughts. you need therapy. If you can't go on with normal life due to problems, you need therapy. If you had a bad day, see if you recover in a short time; if you don't, you may need therapy. If you can't go on with normal life, you may need therapy. If somehting that you would normally be able to shrug off really seriously affects you, and that kind of thing happens more than once or twice, you may need therapy.

MacGnG · 07-13-2003, 07:01 PM

i feel that when you know you need to talk to someone thats the time but its hard to do that, when someone suggests that you should, act reluctant but take the advice and do it with there help.

when someone helps you its easier.

Janie · 07-13-2003, 08:23 PM

Hmm. I'd say go at the point where you feel like shit all the time and can't do anything about it, and especially when you have thoughts of harming yourself or others. However, I'd suggest trying some things first. Venting, on paper, online, wherever, to whomever. Break your routine. Get outside and in the sunshine. Take walks, take baths, burn candles, burn incence. Anything, as long as it helps to get you feeling better and cranks your, er, crank. If you do go the therapist route, find one you're comfortable around. Things will go easier when you don't feel like you're talking to a hostile or uncaring person.

drexler1217 · 07-14-2003, 02:28 PM

When it gets in the way of your life. Not all people who seek help need medication. Medication is a means to an end for those who have a clinical diagnosis.

In a lot of instances just talking to a therapist for awhile and getting advice on proven anxiety and stress reduction methods will work.

Many insurers will cover some or all of psychologists and psychiatrists.

Also, stay away from alcohol and cafeine when you feel problems and try to exercise. Working out builds endorphins which create a natural high and also raise seratonin levels which helps eliminate the depressive feelings.

vermin · 07-14-2003, 07:44 PM

I would tend to go with the rule that says if you think you need to go to a shrink, you probably don't, you just need someone to talk to. If other people are telling you to go to a shrink, then you should go.
If you don't have anyone that you feel you can trust to talk to, try your minister or priest or whatever first (they're free) or a therapist if you're not religious. Although if you are religious you might try praying about it. It's like talking to someone you can trust and it helps you sort out your thoughts.
Just an idea. Good luck.

sexymama · 07-15-2003, 02:21 PM

Therapy is not only for the "sick" or mentally unhealthy -- it is for those of us who care about being healthy! If it feels like the right thing to do and you want to be as emotionally healthy as possible, by all means, go!

fugue_life · 07-16-2003, 06:33 PM

I have a Masters in Psychology, does that qualify me to answer this question, ummmm thats a big negative but I wanted to through my two cents in too. Here is my take on the whole thing. Some people need therapy, some people want easy answers, some people just like to talk, and others just like to have people listen to them. Hell, 90 percent of my fellow students were in the classes to try to help themselves seek answers that they tought they couldn't find elsewhere, me on the other hand took these classes because generally 90% of my fellow students were women with esteem issues, which was my favorite kind back in the day

But seriously, ask yourself if therapy is what you want to do. Would u feel more depressed if you had therapy, thinking that everyone is judging you for doing this and that your a bad person or other ideals like those? Therapy doesn't tell you what you need to hear, and definently won't tell u what u want to hear. If they know what they are doing anyway. A good Psychologist will help you to realize what ever it is on your own, a good psychiatrist will simply find the right drug for you ( a good and bad thing) and someone who studied under Frued's teachings will simply tell you that you want to diddle your mom or dad

OOOO unless they learned under the Williams style of counseling, then they will tell you that u are wrong and then tell you what to think.

BigJayz · 07-17-2003, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Randerolf

How do you know that you need thearpay? At what point does one reach when one should seek professional help?

When you start asking yourself questions like that! Therapy doesn't even have to be a trained professional always. I mean it's better to have someone that is trained but many times you can just vent your frustrations and seek help from friends, loved ones, family, or clergy. I don't know if your employer offers it but many are starting to offer trained therapists' services completely confidential and completely free.

anti fishstick · 07-17-2003, 04:51 PM

what about self-reflectance? why do you need a psychologist/counselor to help you realize things. why do you need to talk to dr. phil when you probably could have come to the same conclusions he has if you only think about it long enough.

lurkette · 07-17-2003, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by anti fishstick
what about self-reflectance? why do you need a psychologist/counselor to help you realize things. why do you need to talk to dr. phil when you probably could have come to the same conclusions he has if you only think about it long enough.

Sometimes this works but sometimes there are thought patterns or behavior patterns that are making you miserable, but that are so second-nature you can't even see them till someone else points them out. A good friend can point them out if they're perceptive, but some people prefer to go to someone who's trained to recognize them quickly and also trained in how to help you think/do things differently and productively.

anti fishstick · 07-17-2003, 05:47 PM

even if a friend or therapist points it out, you have to realize it for yourself. people can keep telling you the truth but if you're in denial, then what good will their help do. i do think our culture is too 'suck it in' for our own good but i just think the first step is self realization. or something. which may come from self-reflectance or a good meditative vacation.

GakFace · 07-17-2003, 06:41 PM

Personally, If I were to do the self reflectance thing.. I'd write stuff down, then a week later.. I'd read it. Why wait a week? I notice when I read conversations I've had with friends from a week ago or longer.. I'll notice how I was obviously hyper that day, or in a pissy mood.. or if Something has had me down. Basically because you won't be centered on that thought. This may or may not help you, but who knows, it might just let you teach yourself more about you.

07-18-2003, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rival
If you've got too much money and too much time on your hands, it's time to look into therapy. Otherwise, suck it up and deal. Do you really want someone charging you a $100 an hour to listen to you bitch? Then charge you another $100 for a bottle full of placebos?

I'm sorry -but that has to be the most ignorant thing I've read in a long time.

If you *think* you need help, you probably do. The best place to start is your family doctor. Most are trained in the diagnosis of psychological disoders - It should be enough to tell you whether or not you really need help. Good luck to you.

TheIceMan · 07-18-2003, 11:17 PM

As some of the others have mentioned, if you are asking this question then perhaps it is time to talk to a counselor. The point is no one on this anonymous forum knows you and therefore can give you the proper advice you seek. There are many places that don't charge you high rates and a few are even free. If you live in the US, check the yellow pages and even the blue pages under community health or social services. Good luck and I hope you find peace and happiness.

madsenj37 · 07-21-2003, 08:51 PM

If you have to ask about it, then trying it is a good idea.

giblfiz · 07-21-2003, 10:13 PM

Call me crazy, but I think theripy is for everyone. (oh that was a bad pun) but seriously, in almost any major city you can get free theripy, and it can only help it never hurts. I know that 95% of the time I'm fine, but occasionaly I get really down, When I'm in theripy I don't get the down periods, its sort of preventitive.

Best of luck, I hope you feel better.

WhiteDevil · 07-22-2003, 11:33 AM

If psychological problems, such as severe depression or anxiety, are starting to interferre with your daily functioning on a regular basis, then it's a good time to seek therapy. That's the general rule.

dogma13554u · 07-22-2003, 11:50 AM

take the small chance and go see someone if you feel like it. "Sucking it up" is never a good idea, it'll only lead to more problems. Better to deal with issues you may have now (and eliminate any concerns you may have), rather than wait and find out this may be something bigger.

Technomage · 07-22-2003, 05:00 PM

Society today is filled with whiners who want to blame someone for their problems. Seems like everywhere you look these days everyone is on some medication for depression or something and most people see a therapist of some kind. Looking back I see many generations of people who functioned in society, just as good, if not better than people today. Yet they didn't have to take drugs and whine to a shrink about how they can't handle their problems. The only way to get past the problem is to face up to it. If the problem is stress, find a way to let off steam. You can't deal with a problem by taking a magic pill or talking to someone. Although talking to someone might be able to help you better understand and deal with the problem. The bottom line is that if there is a problem, it will have to be faced before you can make it better.

enough · 07-23-2003, 07:48 AM

Hey, I was just going to say if you are wondering when a good time is, that is probably a good sign that now is as good as any time. I also want to reassure you that you do not have to be totally nuts to see a counsler, or like specialist. I personally would reccomend a counsler first as a way to start and see if it is what you need. They are a bit more laid back and are usually a bit cheaper, but don't worry they still get a masters degree so they usually know their stuff. Sometimes it can be nice to have an ear to talk to that isn't sucked into all the things in your life. Just my take, but you should not feel any less of a person for going in. I have personally had friends I feel benefited from seeing one, so go for it if you are wondering!

tolinka · 07-23-2003, 11:01 AM

I do like Psychology, they have some intresting points, but if a person feels that he cannot help himself, there there is certenily no one else out there that will be able to do it. I bet you that before you fall asleep you think of this and even come up with some answers to your own queastions.

Shrinks are just a waist of time and money, they only know whats been told by the books, but you know what? You can actually figure it out yourself and I think it is ther best way, becasye what a shrink tells you to do or he gives you some sort of an answer, you will hear it, but you wont fully understand it, the best way to understand it, is to figure it out yourself.

People have the tendency this days to seek for the "Perfect" life, but life is only like passages, sometimes its good, sometimes its bad, otherwise we wouldnt learn anything, then what would be the point of living?

pixelbend · 07-23-2003, 01:09 PM

When you ask "How do I know when I need therapy".

Really, threapy is just a professional unbiased person to talk to. It's good for everyone.

vinnyferrozzo · 07-23-2003, 02:03 PM

If you find yourself thinking of suicide or that you might go crazy, therepy would probably be a good option

giblfiz · 07-23-2003, 02:30 PM

In response to Technomage's and tolinka's criticism of therapy. Yes they all they know is what they learned out of books amalgamated with there personal experience. Just like doctors. Yes the books are widely available and you could read them, (just like a doctor) and learn all you needed to know. No you can't do therapy on yourself. The point of the therapist is that they are not trapped in your head or your drama (the second part is why you can't use a relative or friend as a therapist, they are part of your drama not truly neutral)

yes people used to deal without therapy, they also used to self-medicate with the bottle a *lot*, kill themselves in droves, and in general be real pricks.

Yes we over-medicate now, anyone who seems to be having a bad day gets Prozac, and any kid who isn't a zombie gets Ritalin. But that is a different (admittedly related) problem. Therapy never hurts, and usually helps a lot. Someone looking in from the outside who knows what there doing can do amazing things as far as setting you on the right path.

hotzot · 07-23-2003, 11:37 PM

Try to get your insurance to pay for it.

denim · 07-24-2003, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Randerolf
How do you know that you need thearpay? At what point does one reach when one should seek professional help?

If you're generally dissatisfied with the way things have been going, you might speak with someone for a few sessions to determine what's what. Beyond that, it's hard to say.

geodaro · 07-24-2003, 07:42 AM

Usually when you go on a world-wide message board and ask everybody if you need therapy.........YOU NEED THERAPY! I think therapy in a clinical setting is utterly useless...just ask my shrink!

07-12-2003, 09:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
Randerolf Fireball Location: ~	How do you know when you need Therapy? I felt bad tonight, but will spare the details. How do you know that you need thearpay? At what point does one reach when one should seek professional help?

07-13-2003, 12:53 AM	#3 (permalink)
GakFace Go Ninja, Go Ninja Go!! Location: IN, USA	NOT everywhere do you have to give money.. and its not always expensive.. and you dont' always get meds. Psychologists don't give the meds, those are Psychiatrists. If you feel like you want or need to get some things out... Go speak to one, you don't have to be fucked up to talk to a Psychologist. You can tell them anything and they won't go off making rumors. The "Suck it up and deal" method isn't appropriate. Just because Society says that guys should "walk it off" doesn't mean its always right. The difference between a friend and a professional is that the professional won't repeat what you say to another. Sure you friend says they won't, but if its big.. sometimes they just can't help but to. Also, a professional has been trained to help you, something a friend most likely has not. Beyond that, you can tell a professional things you just can't tell others. Rival: Why do you think too much time and money? Its not a load of shit, regardless of what you may think. Society has just made it look like this: Girls --> Go talk if you have a problem. Guys --> Suck It Up... Ya Big Baby! Something is wrong here.... For the Curious, I am going to college and plan on being a Psychologist myself, and yes, I am a guy. __________________ RoboBlaster: Welcome to the club! Not that I'm in the club. And there really isn'a a club in the first place. But if there was a club and if I was in it, I would definitely welcome you to it.

07-13-2003, 01:16 AM	#4 (permalink)
TIO Addict Location: The Land Down Under	Randerolf, head off to a shrink. Even if it costs a bit, they can really do some great work, and could save you from becoming totally unbalanced and becoming a hazard to yourself and others. __________________ Strewth

07-13-2003, 01:59 AM	#6 (permalink)
Lebell Cracking the Whip Location: Sexymama's arms...	I'm sorry, I have to strongly disagree with some of the posters above. Part of our problem as a culture is EXACTLY that "Suck it up" attitude. The Japanese are the ultimate "suck it up" society and they also have the highest suicide rate in in the world. Randerolf, if you are consistantly down, feel tired all the time, can't seem to get motivated or just feel like giving up, I would strongly recomend a good therapist. If you are on a limited income, most will work with you on a sliding scale, so you shouldn't let money dictate your mental health treatment anymore than you would your physical health. Remember, No one is an island. Good luck! __________________ "Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." – C. S. Lewis The ONLY sponsors we have are YOU! Please Donate!

07-13-2003, 05:30 AM	#7 (permalink)
lurkette My future is coming on Moderator Emeritus Location: east of the sun and west of the moon	If your feeling down is more than just occasional, is impairing your ability to perform the normal tasks of daily living, or is interfering with your ability to enjoy life, or if you're having suicidal thoughts, you might want to look into professional help. I don't know the specifics of your "condition" but finding someone who practices cognitive behavior therapy may be a good option. It's focused on identifying and shifting the thought processes behind your emotional states, it's usually short-term (so no 3 years of yakking to someone on a couch with no results) and is highly effective (clinically it's as good as meds for treating mild depressions). Here's a directory: <a href="http://www.aabt.org/CLINICAL/CLINICAL.HTM">http://www.aabt.org/CLINICAL/CLINICAL.HTM</a> Usually C-B therapists can't prescribe meds but if you decide they're for you, they can refer you to someone who can. It's covered by most insurance plans. Good luck. __________________ "If ten million people believe a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing." - Anatole France

07-12-2003, 10:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
rival Crazy Location: Pittsburgh, Pa	If you've got too much money and too much time on your hands, it's time to look into therapy. Otherwise, suck it up and deal. Do you really want someone charging you a $100 an hour to listen to you bitch? Then charge you another $100 for a bottle full of placebos?

07-13-2003, 01:49 AM	#5 (permalink)
rival Crazy Location: Pittsburgh, Pa	First off, I didn't say it was a guy thing. This isn't a gender issue. This is about people in general having a bad night or a rough week and immediately crying that they need professional help. It's the complete pussification of our society. People managed to face world wars, great economic depressions and a slew of other earth shattering tragedies without a single Prozac for centuries. Suddenly, now everyone who has a bad dream needs professional help. It's time, that we as a society, gave up all this psychosomatic bullshit and got on with our lives. If you can't deal with the bullshit of your day to day life, change your fucking life. Don't go throwing money and time into trying to achieve a false happines.

07-13-2003, 11:30 AM	#8 (permalink)
tikki Justified Location: West Lafayette, IN	If you felt bad because you needed to vent, start a weblog to throw all your feelings and emotions out on. If it was something more than that, go visit a therapist for a session, and see how you feel after it. __________________ Take notice. Take interest. Take me with you.

07-13-2003, 03:20 PM	#9 (permalink)
Leviathan[NCV] Well... Location: afk	Professional help is for everyone. Even if life is going perfect, they can give you a good objective point of view to help you make good decisions.

07-13-2003, 07:01 PM	#11 (permalink)
MacGnG Know Where!	i feel that when you know you need to talk to someone thats the time but its hard to do that, when someone suggests that you should, act reluctant but take the advice and do it with there help. when someone helps you its easier.

07-13-2003, 08:23 PM	#12 (permalink)
Janie Insane Location: Greater Vancouver	Hmm. I'd say go at the point where you feel like shit all the time and can't do anything about it, and especially when you have thoughts of harming yourself or others. However, I'd suggest trying some things first. Venting, on paper, online, wherever, to whomever. Break your routine. Get outside and in the sunshine. Take walks, take baths, burn candles, burn incence. Anything, as long as it helps to get you feeling better and cranks your, er, crank. If you do go the therapist route, find one you're comfortable around. Things will go easier when you don't feel like you're talking to a hostile or uncaring person. __________________ cheers to the motherland

07-14-2003, 02:28 PM	#13 (permalink)
drexler1217 Upright Location: DC	When it gets in the way of your life. Not all people who seek help need medication. Medication is a means to an end for those who have a clinical diagnosis. In a lot of instances just talking to a therapist for awhile and getting advice on proven anxiety and stress reduction methods will work. Many insurers will cover some or all of psychologists and psychiatrists. Also, stay away from alcohol and cafeine when you feel problems and try to exercise. Working out builds endorphins which create a natural high and also raise seratonin levels which helps eliminate the depressive feelings.

07-14-2003, 07:44 PM	#14 (permalink)
vermin Indifferent to anti-matter Location: Tucson, AZ	I would tend to go with the rule that says if you think you need to go to a shrink, you probably don't, you just need someone to talk to. If other people are telling you to go to a shrink, then you should go. If you don't have anyone that you feel you can trust to talk to, try your minister or priest or whatever first (they're free) or a therapist if you're not religious. Although if you are religious you might try praying about it. It's like talking to someone you can trust and it helps you sort out your thoughts. Just an idea. Good luck. __________________ If puns were sausages, this would be the wurst.

07-15-2003, 02:21 PM	#15 (permalink)
sexymama My own person -- his by choice Location: Lebell's arms	Therapy is not only for the "sick" or mentally unhealthy -- it is for those of us who care about being healthy! If it feels like the right thing to do and you want to be as emotionally healthy as possible, by all means, go! __________________ If you can go deeply into lovemaking, the ego disappears. That is the beauty of lovemaking, that it is another source of a glimpse of god It's not about being perfect; it's about developing some skill at managing imperfection.

07-16-2003, 06:33 PM	#16 (permalink)
fugue_life Insane Location: under the stairs	I have a Masters in Psychology, does that qualify me to answer this question, ummmm thats a big negative but I wanted to through my two cents in too. Here is my take on the whole thing. Some people need therapy, some people want easy answers, some people just like to talk, and others just like to have people listen to them. Hell, 90 percent of my fellow students were in the classes to try to help themselves seek answers that they tought they couldn't find elsewhere, me on the other hand took these classes because generally 90% of my fellow students were women with esteem issues, which was my favorite kind back in the day But seriously, ask yourself if therapy is what you want to do. Would u feel more depressed if you had therapy, thinking that everyone is judging you for doing this and that your a bad person or other ideals like those? Therapy doesn't tell you what you need to hear, and definently won't tell u what u want to hear. If they know what they are doing anyway. A good Psychologist will help you to realize what ever it is on your own, a good psychiatrist will simply find the right drug for you ( a good and bad thing) and someone who studied under Frued's teachings will simply tell you that you want to diddle your mom or dad OOOO unless they learned under the Williams style of counseling, then they will tell you that u are wrong and then tell you what to think. __________________ ba-weep=gra=na-weep-nini-bon?

07-17-2003, 04:51 PM	#18 (permalink)
anti fishstick Post-modernism meets Individualism AKA the Clash Location: oregon	what about self-reflectance? why do you need a psychologist/counselor to help you realize things. why do you need to talk to dr. phil when you probably could have come to the same conclusions he has if you only think about it long enough. __________________ And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. ~Anais Nin

07-17-2003, 05:47 PM	#20 (permalink)
anti fishstick Post-modernism meets Individualism AKA the Clash Location: oregon	even if a friend or therapist points it out, you have to realize it for yourself. people can keep telling you the truth but if you're in denial, then what good will their help do. i do think our culture is too 'suck it in' for our own good but i just think the first step is self realization. or something. which may come from self-reflectance or a good meditative vacation. __________________ And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. ~Anais Nin

07-17-2003, 06:41 PM	#21 (permalink)
GakFace Go Ninja, Go Ninja Go!! Location: IN, USA	Personally, If I were to do the self reflectance thing.. I'd write stuff down, then a week later.. I'd read it. Why wait a week? I notice when I read conversations I've had with friends from a week ago or longer.. I'll notice how I was obviously hyper that day, or in a pissy mood.. or if Something has had me down. Basically because you won't be centered on that thought. This may or may not help you, but who knows, it might just let you teach yourself more about you. __________________ RoboBlaster: Welcome to the club! Not that I'm in the club. And there really isn'a a club in the first place. But if there was a club and if I was in it, I would definitely welcome you to it.

07-18-2003, 11:17 PM	#23 (permalink)
TheIceMan Insane Location: Trapped in the depths of my mind	As some of the others have mentioned, if you are asking this question then perhaps it is time to talk to a counselor. The point is no one on this anonymous forum knows you and therefore can give you the proper advice you seek. There are many places that don't charge you high rates and a few are even free. If you live in the US, check the yellow pages and even the blue pages under community health or social services. Good luck and I hope you find peace and happiness. __________________ Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today.

07-21-2003, 08:51 PM	#24 (permalink)
madsenj37 Still searching... Location: NorCal For Life	If you have to ask about it, then trying it is a good idea. __________________ "Only two things are certain: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not certain about the universe." -- Albert Einstein

07-21-2003, 10:13 PM	#25 (permalink)
giblfiz is a shoggoth Location: LA	Call me crazy, but I think theripy is for everyone. (oh that was a bad pun) but seriously, in almost any major city you can get free theripy, and it can only help it never hurts. I know that 95% of the time I'm fine, but occasionaly I get really down, When I'm in theripy I don't get the down periods, its sort of preventitive. Best of luck, I hope you feel better. __________________ Use the star one and you'll be fighting off the old ones with your bare hands -A Shoggoth on the Roof

07-22-2003, 11:33 AM	#26 (permalink)
WhiteDevil Brave Corporate Logo Location: Undisclosed	If psychological problems, such as severe depression or anxiety, are starting to interferre with your daily functioning on a regular basis, then it's a good time to seek therapy. That's the general rule. __________________ Join me or die! Can you do any less?

07-22-2003, 11:50 AM	#27 (permalink)
dogma13554u Crazy	take the small chance and go see someone if you feel like it. "Sucking it up" is never a good idea, it'll only lead to more problems. Better to deal with issues you may have now (and eliminate any concerns you may have), rather than wait and find out this may be something bigger.

07-22-2003, 05:00 PM	#28 (permalink)
Technomage Banned	Society today is filled with whiners who want to blame someone for their problems. Seems like everywhere you look these days everyone is on some medication for depression or something and most people see a therapist of some kind. Looking back I see many generations of people who functioned in society, just as good, if not better than people today. Yet they didn't have to take drugs and whine to a shrink about how they can't handle their problems. The only way to get past the problem is to face up to it. If the problem is stress, find a way to let off steam. You can't deal with a problem by taking a magic pill or talking to someone. Although talking to someone might be able to help you better understand and deal with the problem. The bottom line is that if there is a problem, it will have to be faced before you can make it better.

07-23-2003, 07:48 AM	#29 (permalink)
enough Tilted Location: USA	Hey, I was just going to say if you are wondering when a good time is, that is probably a good sign that now is as good as any time. I also want to reassure you that you do not have to be totally nuts to see a counsler, or like specialist. I personally would reccomend a counsler first as a way to start and see if it is what you need. They are a bit more laid back and are usually a bit cheaper, but don't worry they still get a masters degree so they usually know their stuff. Sometimes it can be nice to have an ear to talk to that isn't sucked into all the things in your life. Just my take, but you should not feel any less of a person for going in. I have personally had friends I feel benefited from seeing one, so go for it if you are wondering!

07-23-2003, 11:01 AM	#30 (permalink)
tolinka Upright	I do like Psychology, they have some intresting points, but if a person feels that he cannot help himself, there there is certenily no one else out there that will be able to do it. I bet you that before you fall asleep you think of this and even come up with some answers to your own queastions. Shrinks are just a waist of time and money, they only know whats been told by the books, but you know what? You can actually figure it out yourself and I think it is ther best way, becasye what a shrink tells you to do or he gives you some sort of an answer, you will hear it, but you wont fully understand it, the best way to understand it, is to figure it out yourself. People have the tendency this days to seek for the "Perfect" life, but life is only like passages, sometimes its good, sometimes its bad, otherwise we wouldnt learn anything, then what would be the point of living?

07-23-2003, 01:09 PM	#31 (permalink)
pixelbend Too hot in the hot tub!	When you ask "How do I know when I need therapy". Really, threapy is just a professional unbiased person to talk to. It's good for everyone. __________________ But I don't want ANY Spam!

07-23-2003, 02:03 PM	#32 (permalink)
vinnyferrozzo Tilted	If you find yourself thinking of suicide or that you might go crazy, therepy would probably be a good option

07-23-2003, 02:30 PM	#33 (permalink)
giblfiz is a shoggoth Location: LA	In response to Technomage's and tolinka's criticism of therapy. Yes they all they know is what they learned out of books amalgamated with there personal experience. Just like doctors. Yes the books are widely available and you could read them, (just like a doctor) and learn all you needed to know. No you can't do therapy on yourself. The point of the therapist is that they are not trapped in your head or your drama (the second part is why you can't use a relative or friend as a therapist, they are part of your drama not truly neutral) yes people used to deal without therapy, they also used to self-medicate with the bottle a lot, kill themselves in droves, and in general be real pricks. Yes we over-medicate now, anyone who seems to be having a bad day gets Prozac, and any kid who isn't a zombie gets Ritalin. But that is a different (admittedly related) problem. Therapy never hurts, and usually helps a lot. Someone looking in from the outside who knows what there doing can do amazing things as far as setting you on the right path. __________________ Use the star one and you'll be fighting off the old ones with your bare hands -A Shoggoth on the Roof

07-23-2003, 11:37 PM	#34 (permalink)
hotzot We're having potato pancakes! Location: stalag 13	Try to get your insurance to pay for it. __________________ The Bully Boys are here!

07-24-2003, 07:42 AM	#36 (permalink)
geodaro Psycho	Usually when you go on a world-wide message board and ask everybody if you need therapy.........YOU NEED THERAPY! I think therapy in a clinical setting is utterly useless...just ask my shrink!