Counselling for depression......

by Jodo 7 Replies latest jw friends

  • Jodo
    Jodo

    Sorry, I don't want this to sound like a "woe is me" thread, but I just wanted to know of any positive or negative experiences with counselling....I've been offered it before but have put it off, and off (and off). Today I have a doctor's appointment and am going to request it......but I'm a little wary of the thought.

  • Scully
    Scully

    It really depends on the reason for your depression to know what kind of counselling would be appropriate for you. If the depression is related to events in a person's life the counselling should be tailored to provide you with coping strategies that would be effective for those particular events - such as grief counselling, relationship counselling, stress management, etc. If the depression is caused by chemical imbalances, in addition to medication to correct the imbalance, self-awareness and empowerment counselling might be the best choices. Most counsellors should be able to tailor their counselling to suit your situation, but many of them have their preferred approach. It may take a few consultations to find someone who is an appropriate "fit" to your situation.

    Best wishes, Scully

  • whyamihere
    whyamihere

    Jodo,

    I have gone to Counseling for a little while now. I can only say positive things about it. With everything in my life good or bad it has helped me to realize I am ok and I am human and I can make mistakes. However the most important thing I have learned about the whole process is that I am not a bad person and I am human.

    My advice to you is that don't hold back let it all out feelings of happiness anger frustration etc. Let it all out. I have been judged my whole life on every little thing. When I went there I was not judged at all. It gave me a sense of peace. I felt like I can breathe for the first time.

    This was a huge step but a mandatory one for me. I say take it and run with it. This is your life and this treatment is about you and only you. I hope that it helps you in everyway possible. Good Luck! Let me know how it goes.Your first time will be hard(talking about yourself) but it gets easier after that. Give it time you will see what I mean.

    Brooke

  • Doubtfully Yours
    Doubtfully Yours

    I've heard elders say that often people that develop depression is because they don't have a good relationship with Jehovah. That they need to study the scriptures more, be out on service, and pray more to Jehovah for help.

    DY

  • Big Dog
    Big Dog

    Counseling can be everything from wonderful to life saving depending on your situation. The most important thing with counseling is finding the right practitioner, one that you can work with and doesn not have their own agenda. Ask around, shop around to find the right one.

  • tijkmo
    tijkmo

    yes..i would have followed party policy and frowned on anyone seeking 'worldly' help and certainly avoided it myself...but the truth is i would prob not be alive now if i hadnt gotten such help..and someday i may well be grateful for that...make sure its someone reputable..and i found the most helpful of counsellers was the one that didnt just listen (although that of course is nessercary) but also offered practical reachable solutions and arranged for positive activities to be a part of....hope you find what you are looking for....tijkmo

  • bikerchic
    bikerchic

    Jodo:

    I've been offered it before but have put it off, and off (and off). Today I have a doctor's appointment and am going to request it......but I'm a little wary of the thought.

    I wonder if you've mean your doctor has suggested counseling? If so I would take his recommendation as he is a professional trained to recognize conditions which would call for this specific treatment for you. I highly advise anyone who receives anti-depressants from their Doctor to follow up with counseling because depression can be a symptom of underlying emotional/physiological issues which need to be addressed. If these issues aren't addressed at the inner core the medication will only suppress the underlying cause and when you quit the meds the problem will come back.

    I understand your wariness about counseling I too felt the same way but you'll be amazed at how effective it can be once you learn new coping techniques that you can use for your life time. Better to know how to deal with life than reach for the magical pill that ain't so magical once you've quit taking it.

    Most people are concerned that they are so flawed they can't be fixed and you'll find out how strong and resilient you are which will give you a huge self esteem boost and a whole new outlook on life.

    Good luck!

    Kate

  • Es
    Es

    Hi Jodo,

    Personally myself I found it great in helping with my depression. It was great to get perspective on a lot of things from someone who wasnt personally involved

    Hope all goes well

    es

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