When to seek help?

Does anyone know at what point you should seek help with a therapist?

I've been worrying a lot recently about this dating situation I am in. It is actually going well, but I keep having doubts and convincing myself that its not going to work out. For the past couple of weeks I've started to become really depressed. I haven't been going to some of my classes and can't keep my interest in school. The guy I'm dating is really nice and we have fun, but I can't help but think one day he is going to turn around and get rid of me. I can't stop thinking these thoughts.

I think relationship wise my past is kind of unique. I'm 27 and this is the first guy I have ever dated. I'm a loner and usually do not look for any sort of relationship, but this guy is so different. If it doesn't work out I honestly don't have any idea how I will handle it. That just makes me more depressed! What can I do? Do I need therapy? What will a therapist say to me that can make me feel better?

I definitely think you should see a therapist. If your having trouble going to your classes and worrying about the relationship so much I think you need some help.

Therapy will help you to vent your worries out and develop new coping skills that will help you in the long term. Therapy may not make you feel better right away although for some it does but it helps to make long term life changes that you can benefit from later on.

I know how you feel. I myself had a similar problem. I had trouble attending my classes and I would worry about my girlfriend leaving me so I couldn't even focus in class but dont worry its just temporary and you will get through this.

Well I wish you the best

"Evil" is right. There was a time where I was obsessing about all sorts of things, and worrying about everything. It got so bad, that I felt like I was on the "edge." I couldn't focus at work, or at home. I was terribly depressed, and cried easily. I couldn't sleep and would lay awake night after night.

I finally saw my doctor, who referred me to a psychiatrist ~ and she put me immediately in the hospital!! That was the best thing that ever happened to me. Now, I'm sure YOU won't be put in the hospital but when I got out, I stayed with the psychiatrist for therapy for the next couple of years. i've been in and out of therapy almost all my adult life. I've now "graduated." LOL

Talk to your doctor and see who he recommends as a therapist. You will be glad you did. God bless and please keep us posted on your progress. Hugs, Lee

Thanks for your replies. I'm nervous about calling my doctor. I actually have a list of clinicians from my health insurance that I can call for an appointment. I just have to get up the nerve to call. Telling someone about how I feel is both frightening and exciting at the same time. Especially if I think they can help.

Yesterday morning I still felt bad because the night before I was such a mess. I could have cried over spilt milk. I couldn't even listen to music, everything my me cry. Then later on in the evening for some reason I just felt great and didn't have a care in the world. It was so weird. Today I've felt on the verge of being depressed, but I keep talking myself out of it and trying to stay strong. I'm going to call tomorrow morning. Wish me luck!

I wish you LOADS of luck ~ I hope they're open tomorrow! LOL Please let us know how you make out, okay?

I know you won't regret calling. You'll feel a huge weight off your shoulders just for making the call! God bless. Hugs, Lee

Ok so I made an appointment for this past Tuesday and I called that morning to cancel it. Sometimes I feel better and think I don't need it, but I know I will feel bad again. Luckily, I was mistaken and my appointment was for next Tuesday instead and I made myself keep it. After having a really good weekend I feel terrible again and haven't gone to school for two days. This is so unlike me. Part of me can't wait to go to therapy and part of me is terrified. My birthday is tomorrow and I just feel terrible. I think I'm in love with someone who will only every see me as a good friend that he's attracted to and it sucks. But he's so confusing. I don't know what to think anymore. I wish I was at therapy right now.

Hey Spaceid,

I am soooo glad you kept your appointment must have been your day huh!! Happy Birthday when it comes Hope you feel better for your Birthday. Have you got any plans?

Thanks, Miss Laura!

Actually, after school I wanted to have the guy I like come over my house with another co-worker (He's older and we call him our granddad. He lives alone and we like to take care of him.) and we would make dinner. But the guy keeps bringing up maybe we should just go out and he'll buy me dinner. Since its the middle of the school week, I think he's right. I don't even know what to make. I guess we are eating out, lol.

It's the day of my first session and I am calmly freaking out, lol. I'm scared of what I'm going to say, what the therapist is going to say, will I cry? I don't want to, but I'm nervous that I'll feel really embarrassed afterward and not want to go back. How did anyone feel the first time they went to therapy? Especially afterward?

Before: Nervous and curious.
After: Thoughtful and mildly disappointed more could not be "accomplished" in an hour.