Hi guys,

I haven't been going to therapy very long. I'd like to know what "normal protocol" is for this situation. Is it different for every therapist, or is it the same sometimes?

I'm dealing with SAD/depression by using meds, going to therapy, and using the techniques my therapist teaches me. Some things are very helpful, but I still have really panicky moments. Sometimes, when I feel an emotion very strongly, I'm frightened by the emotion. It can be hard for me to identify which emotion it is sometimes, but the intensity of it can freak me out and then I really feel like I need to talk to someone. (I don't always like talking to friends/family because of the stigma of depression, and not wanting to burden them.)

On Friday, I had one of those moments and I texted my therapist -- "Please help. Are you still free at five? I'm having a really hard time today and I'd like to talk to someone." We had had appointments at that time of week in the past, but I had rescheduled for next Wednesday. She never texted me back, and it's Sunday now. I'm sure that's probably just the setting of normal boundaries, but that was really hard for me. We've texted before about minor things so I know it was the right number. How do most therapists handle communication outside of normal appointments? If she was a friend and not just a therapist, of course she'd respond back. What are your guys' thoughts?