[Nobodyandnothing]

Is there a point when someone is too depressed to benefit from therapy? I don't know why I am going other than pdoc's suggestion. Maybe the "right" meds need to start working first. The only thing I can remember after therapy is that she lets me talk. I really don't have anyone else to talk to. (ECT robbed me of both short and long term memory.) But isn't this a terrible waste of healthcare dollars- just to have someone to talk to?

[whimsygirl]

Originally Posted by Nobodyandnothing

Is there a point when someone is too depressed to benefit from therapy? I don't know why I am going other than pdoc's suggestion. Maybe the "right" meds need to start working first. The only thing I can remember after therapy is that she lets me talk. I really don't have anyone else to talk to. (ECT robbed me of both short and long term memory.) But isn't this a terrible waste of healthcare dollars- just to have someone to talk to?

Sorry to hear about the memory loss, that must be hard to deal with. It seems on the one hand that maybe you do want to have someone to talk to, but then on the other hand maybe not? Guess I'm a little confused. I don't know, but as someone who has been in and out of therapy several times.....with different therapists, it seems like it would be good to have SOME desire to talk if you're going to invest the time and money. Interesting what you say about waiting until the meds kick in....hmm. Sending good thoughts and hopes that you find some kind of comfort soon ~whimsy

[dragonfly2]

Originally Posted by Nobodyandnothing

Is there a point when someone is too depressed to benefit from therapy? I don't know why I am going other than pdoc's suggestion. Maybe the "right" meds need to start working first. The only thing I can remember after therapy is that she lets me talk. I really don't have anyone else to talk to. (ECT robbed me of both short and long term memory.) But isn't this a terrible waste of healthcare dollars- just to have someone to talk to?

If your pdoc has suggested it, then he thinks you are well enough for therapy. There have been times I haven't been well enough to be receptive to therapy, but that's usually when I've just been hospitalized. Sometimes just being able to talk to someone is therapy enough. We often sort things out by talking and the therapist can be a good sounding board for us to bounce things off of. I don't remember everything said in therapy either (and who knows - maybe that's because of my ECT too), but I leave with the sense of release and of being able to have a safe place to talk about difficult subjects.

As for therapy being a waste of healthcare dollars, I disagree. Yes, there are times I've felt like I'm paying to have a cup of coffee with someone. But think of the alternative. If the therapy can keep us well, or help us get better and reduce the risk of turning to things like drugs, alcohol, eating disorders, etc, and will help reduce our stress levels, isn't that worth it? That's where I see the potential for, I hate to use the term wasted, but perhaps preventable healthcare dollars. The physical effects alone of things like substance abuse, emotionally disordered eating, smoking (which some use to cope), heart attacks, high blood pressure.....I could go on and on here, but I think you get what I mean.

Go to the therapist. Enjoy the human interaction. Make it something special - get a latte or something special that you don't normally have. Try to find a park or something nearby to go for a walk in on therapy days. Give yourself something good to associate with going to therapy.

[Nobodyandnothing]

Thank you whimsygirl and dragonfly2. Lots to think about.

[roads]

From my experience with therapy, there is a kind of "uptake" time which it not unlike that with medications. You and the therapist need time to get to know each other & and to settle in around the issues you'll be focusing on. For me it's a kind of dance, and we get closer as time goes on.
The fact that you're comfortable enough to talk with this therapist is terrific. It makes me think that you've found someone you're going to be able to work with. Try not to worry about the expense for another six weeks or so--go with the flow. If, by then, you're still doubting whether therapy's for you, revisit the issue with your pdoc.
From what you've said, though, I think you just need to get past the break-in period. I always feel uncomfortable in that initial period--although after decades of this, my break-in time is pretty short.
Roadie

[jelly-bean]

I don't know anything about therapy so I really advise you much there. I just think that any therapy is better than no therapy. One of the others said that we often work things out just by talking about them with someone. It can only help. Good Luck.

[Kingsley85]

Don't feel guilty about just talking during therapy. Human contact and trust heals so much. In my experience sometimes I "make progress" and other days I just say how I'm doing without any revelations.

[Nobodyandnothing]

I told my therapist yesterday that I am taking a break from therapy. We did not seem to be getting anywhere. My depression and self esteem are so low that nothing seems to help.