Has therapy actually helped anyone?

I am a regular poster here and I respect and value your opinions. However I am too ashamed to admit who I am right now.

I know that I need to see someone - and I have been on medication for anxiety and depression (a few different ones) since 1996.
I have seen a therapist in the past - several different ones to be truthful and I have never felt better or improved in any way.
I am posting because I am at my wits end right now - I am thouroughly depressed and I cant take it anymore. I am so sad I can hardly breathe. I really think I would be better off not alive however I would never do that to my husband or my family.

I literally have a list of psycologists #s in my hand right now - given to me by my psychiatrist. Its just that I dont want to go through the whole thing again only to have it not work again.

Has anyone been this depressed and therapy actually worked for them?

Re: Has therapy actually helped anyone?

Re: Has therapy actually helped anyone?

Re: Has therapy actually helped anyone?

I see both a shrink and a talk therapist. My shrink is for meds management only, my talk therapist has helped me so much. Even just having the hour to myself each week helps. It's something I do just for me, and there's no judgement. I can speak honestly, and whether or not her advice is good doesn't matter, it's more about me being able to spout off and not worry about whether or not what I'm saying is right/wrong/insensitive/etc.

It can't hurt.

Re: Has therapy actually helped anyone?

I'm not all that familiar with clinical depression but are you sure the meds are working? Aren't they suppose to control whatever imbalance you have?

Don't give up hope yet. It can take years for therapy to work and it's a lot of hard work.

The first thing that I would do and go for a FULL physical just to rule out or find out if there is anything physically wrong like a hormonal imbalance. If there is, you will need medication just like a diabetic might need insulin. Then move on to therapy. Take your time and find someone that you feel comfortable with.

I know this is a long journey and you're a very strong person to go through this.

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I havent personally but someone in my family did. They are bipolar and therapy coupled with the right meds made night and day difference in their life. There are so many new meds out there - if yours are not working for you right now please please tell your dr and switch them. There is no reason to suffer when the medicine is available to help you. The person in my family went through a number of different meds until she found the one for her. Since then, no more suicide attempts and she is so much happier.

The same goes for therapy - there are so many drs out there - keep searching until you find the one who is right for you.

Good luck to you - please see someone you can talk to

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I'm sorry, I have no advice, just wanted to offer

I do have friends who say therapy has helped them immensely - once they found the right therapist.

Message edited 11/2/2005 2:29:02 PM.

Re: Has therapy actually helped anyone?

Re: Has therapy actually helped anyone?

I have to say I do not have too much depression, I have ALOT Of ANXIETY and that has some depression with it. I stopped THERAPY, wasn't crazy about her, but I went to one a few years ago and she was good, I can give you her info - she is in Smithtown, I don't think I got a miracle cure - maybe I was showed how to put things in perspective.

Pls. FM me with any questions.

~ Karen

Re: Has therapy actually helped anyone?

I am so so so sorry you are feeling this way.

I agree- the first thing to do is to fix your meds! The right medication can make you feel so much better.

Some people find therapy very helpful, others struggle with it. However, research says that the best treatment is a combination of medicine and therapy. I would say talk to your psychiatrist about finding better meds and give therapy a go again.

I am that you feel better soon!

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Hi there! You are so not alone. My father has been suffering with major depression for the last 9 years and finally we have found an absolute life saver! His psychiatrist is absolutely amazing. We committed my father and then found this dr............and I would kiss his feet, if he'd let me. My father went from a severe depressive state, suicidal state, to now he's living his life, enjoying his grandchildren and just being happy to be alive.

I don't know where you live.........but FM me if you are in the Suffolk County area. I'll be happy to share the information with you. Our dr. has found the right medication and right "talk" sessions for my father.......and I know that everyone who sees him thinks he's the best in the world.

If you need a sounding board.........please FM me.....we can talk anytime you want.

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I wanted to thank everyone for their advice and stories. They mean a lot and now I know that there is hope out there. Unfortunatley I am living in the city currently so a Suffolk doctor wouldnt be that ideal.

I think I am going to call my psychiatrist and talk to him about changing medications. In the past I have been on Paxil and Zoloft. Right now I am on Effexor. I had originally wanted to TTC soon so my dr was going to put me on Wellbutrin which would be safe for a baby.

Again, thank you everyone for everything. I really appreciate it.

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I have a therapist in the city...she is wonderful and has helped me through my divorce for the past 8 months...dont know what i would have done without her. I continue to go to her even though I am doing much better.

FM if you want her information.

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Effexor is a horrible medicationto be on. That is one of the stupid medications he was taking and one of the first medications his dr. took him off of.

Take care and my offer still stands........if you need to talk..........just FM me!

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You have FM.

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My sister goes to a therapist in the city and she loves him. He is very spiritual- and has helped her a lot. My mom has even gone to him and loves him. FM me if you are interested.

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I hope you feel better!!

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I pray that you find the "right" medication for you and that you feel better soon.

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Just some s and a few to hope that today is better than yesterday and that tommorrow is even better than that.

I think that depression and anxiety are downward spirals so once you start to feel badly it gets harder and harder to get happier. So, for me, I try to take joy in simple things like a childs laugh or the wagging tail of a doggie that is happy to see you and then move on to bigger and better from the little things.

Life throws everyone curveballs at different times. I know you can step up to the plate and hit it out of the park. Good luck.

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mine helped tremendously...I uncovered some major issues from childhood and realized that as an adult, I probably have Adult Attention Deficit Disorder which caused MAJOR problems in my life. We really bonded and she helped me get my life in order....

needless to say, I wish I could find someone down here in GA to help me, I could really use it!

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Im so sorry for you. I think I would try again if I were you only because it seems like in your situation it couldnt hurt so why now try and hope for the best. At least have them steer you in the right direction. I tried therapy once or twice when things were at their worst in my life. I didnt get that much out of it, but I always felt better after, if even a small amount better and sometimes thats all you need to get your mind back on track and to be able to help yourself. So like I said, I dont see it doing any harm and since you seem very depressed, Why not just take the chance?

Wish I had more advice....But wishing you luck

Re: Has therapy actually helped anyone?

Posted by IluvBo

Effexor is a horrible medicationto be on. That is one of the stupid medications he was taking and one of the first medications his dr. took him off of.

Each person is different and each med works differently on people. DH found effexor to be a lifesavor and paxil and zoloft to not work for him. Unfortunately you may have to try a few meds before you find the one that works for you. DH is now in therapy with a psychologist, has been off meds for the last few years, and has been doing really well. FM if you'd like. Good luck

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I'm sending you much !!

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Several of my family members go/went to therapy and it's been very helpful to them. One has been going for over a decade - and while I tend to thing she's just switched addictions - it has helped her confront a lot of issues and set up boundaries for those people who tend to emesh themselves in her life.

I think it would be helpful to see both psychologist and psychiatrist. I'm not that familiar with chemical imbalances, but there is a girl in my office who was switched from one anti-depressant to a generic. She can't focus at work, is depressed, etc. I think you need the right dosage of meds, but would definitely supplement therapy.

Good luck

Re: Has therapy actually helped anyone?

Posted by npbride

Posted by IluvBo

Effexor is a horrible medicationto be on. That is one of the stupid medications he was taking and one of the first medications his dr. took him off of.

Each person is different and each med works differently on people. DH found effexor to be a lifesavor and paxil and zoloft to not work for him. Unfortunately you may have to try a few meds before you find the one that works for you. DH is now in therapy with a psychologist, has been off meds for the last few years, and has been doing really well. FM if you'd like. Good luck

this is absolutely true

the thing about anti-depressants is finding the one that is best for YOU. S*cks to have to try a bunch before feeling better but it is worth it. I have a client that can't use anything but Paxil, another Lexapro....

It is completely different for everyone...You just have to find the one that works best for you

best of luck