Bonita Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 Hi, I'm a newbie here. So far this site seems rather interesting. So, I recently got a new psychiatrist that I don't particularly like. He said that I should start getting regular therapy to "make the medications more effective." SMH Therapy can be great for some people. I've seen a psychologist for close to the last 20 years off and on. Personally I have never really gotten any benefit from that. I am a nurse and as such I took many classes on psychology and sociology. I don't need a stranger to tell me what's wrong with me, why or how I'm messed up with a generic "How does that make you feel?" Anyways, back to the introduction....I have a bucket full of diagnoses that started when I was 15. Through the years they've tacked on a few more. I basically have the general list of mental disorders just shy of schizophrenia. When I was younger, I was a "cutter" frequently during my low periods. I've attempted suicide several times and was always quick to get into physical altercations. Life has taken a shit on me many times. I don't mean melodramatic crap like "my boyfriend broke up with me!" I mean real shit. Shit that would tear up any "normal, sane" person. If its bad, I've been there- - every form of abuse, molestation, rape, beatings, stabbings, drug abuse, ect. My recent straw that broke my fucking back was that my boyfriend was murdered. Its been a couple years now and every day is still a struggle. Well there's a small peek into where my mind resides: Crazytown. Population: Me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indigo 'n dye Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 Hi, welcome to CB. I too am a nurse, or rather I was a nurse practitioner for a very long time. I am now on my third career. While I understand your reluctance toward therapy, my perspective is just the opposite. Without therapy and without on-going therapy I would likely not be sitting here typing this. The combination of meds and different types/styles of therapy are my touchstone and my cornerstone. I look forward to seeing you around CB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OwlDello Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 Welcome. It sounds like you have been through a lot. I'm sorry that these things have happenned to you and for your most recent loss. That alone would be overwhelming for anyone, MI or not to deal with. I wouldn't say this site counts as therapy, but it is certainly a place full of very supportive and kind people who understand what it is like to live with mental illness. Take care. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bpladybug Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 My condolences on the violent loss of your boyfriend. My experience with good therapy was that I learned some coping skills. It was not as you describe - a stranger telling you what is wrong with you. Maybe you need a better therapist or a structured therapy such as CBT or DBT. Welcome to CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonita Posted March 6, 2014 Author Share Posted March 6, 2014 Thank you all for the warm welcome. @Indigo 'n dye- I do know therapy is very helpful. I just dread it. I've moved alot because of work and that then means a new counselor with each move. Each time I get a new person it feels like I gotta start from scratch again. But after years and years of therapy I feel as if I've ran out of things to talk about. I'm not shy so I've always laid out all my cards for them through the years. I just don't have any new material for them. lol At this point they seem more like very overpaid friends. But frankly I think I tend to get more feedback from my unpaid real life friends. Definitely not a stance I'd recommend anyone else to take!! But I have tried it for years anyways to no avail. I think I gave it the college try. lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indigo 'n dye Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 You seem to be completely set in your POV regarding therapy and determined to not engage in further modes of the same. So, best wishes, good luck, and happy daze to you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonita Posted March 6, 2014 Author Share Posted March 6, 2014 I would actually be slightly interested in a group therapy. They always sounded much more intriguing versus spotlight when its me and doc. I would think first hand experience would be more conducive to promote natural healing/coping over someone who has just read about your condition in a few books. Unfortunately, there is no group therapy anywhere near where I currently live. I am one that always follows my dr's orders, no matter how much I agree with them. So if he insists at my next visit, I'm sure I will end up doing the song and dance. Just out of curiosity, what made you a firm believer in therapy? (and I really don't want that to sound sarcastic or condescending or anything! Just curious really!!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indigo 'n dye Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 Rather than type it all out, I will cut and past ... http://www.crazyboards.org/forums/index.php/topic/69586-does-therapy-change-anything/ Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy allowed me to finally gain control over crushing anxiety->panic->agoraphobia that had my total world limited to two rooms in my home. It was not, nor is, easy, often sickening painful, and brought me to my knees more than once. The "tools" I learned to use are almost always readily available to me and can be used at any time and in any situation. When they do not immediately come to hand, I have other tools to make then available. However, at least for me, it is necessary to have those tools tuned-up occasionally: thus, therapy cycles in and out of my life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonita Posted March 6, 2014 Author Share Posted March 6, 2014 Ahhh yes. I do agree some of their tools have come in handy, yet I feel as though I've already acquired the entire set, twofold. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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