[sprik]

Anyone have cbt class make you feel worse? I understand all the thinking, been bipolar for years, I know sometimes maybe your just not ready for the class, and the information provided. Maybe I am just in a bad time in my life, I use some of the cbt stuff already. I guess I don't want to take a look at myself, im angry right now about being Bipolar

[Victoria'smom]

I've never taken a CBT class but my T is eclectic so sometimes she uses CBT. Have you thought of getting a CBT therapist instead? I honestly don't feel CBT is right for everyone. I'm sorry your angry at being bipolar I think all of us go in and out of that feeling.

[A Red Panda]

Oh, I highly dislike the stuff my T has me doing for CBT - I already am aware of my distortions and correct my thoughts - but I don't stop believing the negative ones. But I don't really need any of it for my bipolar issues - I've had those under wraps really for a long time, at least my behaviours.

My T's moving more into mindfulness I suppose. I'm just following his lead and will try stuff out.

[choocha]

Maybe CBT is not for you or maybe it just isn't the right time. You need therapy to deal with the anger coming up about being bp. This isn't a healthy emotion for you to be regularly feeling. You need to address it and accept your diagnosis. I too struggle with my dx, and the stigma attached to having a mental illness. When people find out, they treat you differently and look at you funny. Or is that just me? Good luck and take care. Have you told your T about how you're feeling and your thoughts on CBT?

[sprik]

My T and I talked, she said to give it a little longier, the bipolar part I don't know, the ball is in my court, thanks for replying,

Wow I am so surprised at people suggesting it not to continue. Just because therapy makes you feel crap sometimes doesnt mean you should stop going - for ANY type of therapy. It usually means you have hit a nerve and the next step is to start healing.

CBT is a therapy that is proven to help and is extremely effective for many people. In my experience the people who it doesnt work for are the ones who are not completely and utterly throwing themselves into it. You need to believe it for it to work and if you dont, then simply put - its not going to work. It is a lot more than just challenging beliefs, its a system to retrain your negative thinking which everyone I know with depression symptoms has. I feel the reason so many people give up on it, is because it is much much harder than popping a pill, distraction or ignoring the issue.

I am pleased to hear you are going to continue with it. Even if you only take away one piece of knowledge from the whole experience then it has been worth it. Some of the ideas may not be helpful for you now, but keep your workbooks - it may come in handy in the future.