I don't know what to do

I'm feeling really guilty about voicing my problems here. I don't have anything good to contribute and I don't want to bore you all with my problems or look like I'm seeking sympathy, I'm not. I just don't know where to turn. I'm trying to find help but I have been unsuccessful. My thoughts right now are pretty desperate...

Anyway, I'm sorry.

Don't be sorry...you sound like me I have so much I feel like I need to just get out. Sometimes the things that bother me most suddenly come flooding in and I cant stop them (like now) and I don't know what else to do. I logged in here just to read some forums and seek some comfort. Sometimes is just feels good to know im not the only one who feels like I do...and other times although I am not by any means happy about the misfortune of others ..It helps me put into perspective that as bad as things are for me there are a lot of people going through things that are much much worse..

I have felt like that before, and sometimes still do. I feel like I am not doing enough, and am complaining about my problems to people here and am giving nothing in return. This thinking is flawed. My therapist helped me to realize a few things. If you aren't in the right mindset to give advice and support, that's okay, and there is no need to try and force it. Sometimes the best thing is to let someone know that you hear them, and offer them a virtual hug. Another thing I learned is that people receive support from different places. So while you might not be able to reciprocate the support given to you, you can bet that there is another user or person being that support for them. In time, when you feel more stable, you will be more able to give advice and support to others. I don't believe there is any need to feel guilty or sorry about this. I am not telling you how to feel, that is the last thing I am trying to do. I just wanted to offer some advice.

Please feel free to message me if you want to talk.

Is there a clinic near your home? Someplace you could visit a psychiatrist? They have heard it all before and won't judge you. Maybe medication is indicated? There is alot you can do to find help. I'm having a hard time right now too. It seems hopeless but that is the depression talking, not reality. I really have to fight what depression tells me. And it isn't easy. But do it anyway. You'll feel better.

We have all had our times of just needing to talk about what's going on with us. Don't feel bad if you need to just post how you feel. Sometimes we just need to vent. No one can help or add support unless you tell us what is going on with you. I've certainly done my share of complaining and have gotten lots of help along with some friends along the way. Let us know how we can help you.

[QUOTE=Raggedy Man;3542524]I'm feeling really guilty about voicing my problems here. I don't have anything good to contribute and I don't want to bore you all with my problems or look like I'm seeking sympathy, I'm not. I just don't know where to turn. I'm trying to find help but I have been unsuccessful. My thoughts right now are pretty desperate...

Anyway, I'm sorry

Hey Raggedy Man: Don't you dare quit PC! Don't even think about it! Well, okay, you can think about it. But don't do it! We all feel like that, or at least many of us do. But this is exactly what PC is here for! And maybe out in the rest of the world people think you're just seeking sympathy. BUT NOT HERE! We all have similar issues here & so right now, you need support. But tomorrow, or next week, or next month it could be me... or someone else. And in that way we take care of one another. And you don't have anything to contribute? You've already contributed to my experience here on PC. So don't even consider leaving to be an option. Besides, if you don't know where to turn, how will leaving PC contribute to your finding this out?

You're all right. I also received a very nice pm from one of the moderators who was very helpful and reassuring. Thank you all. I'm holding on. I have been looking for psychiatric help and I may have found two different places, the thing is, I'm afraid to call them. I don't know why, but I started to call each of them a couple of different times and chickened out. If I can call tomorrow, what do I say to them? What will they want to know? And how do I know which one to make an appointment with?

Thanks for the support. I'm trying to do things one step at a time.

You're doing the right thing. Taking it a step at a time. Keep in mind as you're reaching out to these therapists that everyone is human and it's normal to feel uncertain. Therapists are humans like the rest of us - they just arm us with the knowledge to make our own informed decisions about our mental health so we can find solutions. By picking up the phone you are taking back control of your life, one step at a time. Everyone needs help sometimes.

I can give you an idea of what to expect because I've been to a few therapists and a psychiatrist myself. Most of the time the first session is more of an evaluation, to see where you stand mentally. They will ask you simple questions, you answer, and they evaluate your situation to put your issues with certain categories like depression, bi-polar, OCD, etc.... this doesn't necessarily mean you're doomed and bound to a certain diagnosis...things change in life, and so does our mentality - the main thing to remember when they ask you these questions is to be as straightforward and certainly truthful as possible. Try not to embellish or diagnose yourself...be you.

The next thing is to remember you have the choice to do what you feel is right for you. If they hand you a prescription and you aren't comfortable filling it yet - don't! But, keep in mind why you aren't comfortable doing that and let the therapist jot down your concerns in the file. Be bold and make your own decisions regardless, because only YOU know what your body and mind is telling you on a regular basis.

You may also go through talk-therapy during your first session after the evaluation. They will prompt you to talk about specific concerns to make it easier for you to voice them. To get the most out of your session, I would jot down specific worries, concerns, and things that are keeping you from living a better life in general....pull out the paper and tell them about it. They are trained to compartmentalize each concern so it's not overwhelming as you discuss it. If you aren't organized, feel free to just vent! Everything is confidential. They will most likely tell you if you have any serious intentions of hurting yourself or others, they may be permitted to report it to authorities. That is in EXTREME cases. Don't worry, just be aware of it. Many people come in with suicidal thoughts - it's when they have a specific plan, time, and place in mind that it may become an issue.

Don't hold back! Look at it this way: you have to opportunity to have someone to give you the tools you need to get back on track in life - make the most of it! Getting therapy is like getting a blue print of your overall mental health: It's a map that you fill in over time to build a solid foundation that houses your progress. The therapist may suggest what you need to do after a session to better your situation. Hold onto these suggestions like you would a million dollar lotto ticket, because most of the work is done at HOME after therapy. It's a long road....we all go through ups and downs.....but you can do this!

Don't let fear and uncertainty win.....take back control! Call!

Well, it's a new day and I'm still afraid of calling. I don't know why, I can't rationalize my fear, but it's there. I started to dial but got all nervous and knew my voice was not there or I couldn't talk or whatever. I'm still going to try... maybe.

Good morning Raggedy Man: I'm glad to hear you are hangin' in there...uh... here! Yes, making that first call is one of the biggest hurdles especially if you haven't had psych services previously. I'm unclear as to whether you'll be calling / have called(?) a psychiatrist or a therapist or a clinic that offers both.

Where I live, psychiatrists only prescribe medications. They may spend a bit more time with you during your first appointment. But after that, about 10 minutes is what you get. Sometimes, prior to your seeing the pdoc for the 1st time, you'll be asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding your background & concerns.

If you're going to be seeing a therapist, I would presume you'll be seeing her or him for an hour. It is a good idea to write down a list of things you'd like to talk about. Otherwise, it's easy for the hour to slip by with little accomplished.

Anyway, the 1st thing is to make that 1st call. If it would help, write out what you 1st want to say when they answer the phone. Then just read it. My thought would be to schedule with whichever provider can see you the soonest and is easiest for you to get to. You could ask them about the types of services they provide & the types of clients they see to try to judge how you might "fit in". But ultimately there's no way to know "up front". What's most important, from my perspective, is that you get in to see someone asap. You can, I would presume (depending on your state's laws & insurance requirements) always change later on if you find that the provider you scheduled with initially is not a good fit. In my state, at least, we have the right, by state law, to choose our providers.

So, if by some chance you still haven't made the call... MAKE THE CALL! You can always also PM me if you want to, to discuss this in more detail. I've been making the rounds for the past 15 years +. Good luck!

Thanks for the time & effort you put into your reply to Raggedy Man's post, GlassCage.

I did it, Skeezyks! Here is the thread. http://forums.psychcentral.com/depre...930-i-did.html

Thanks for helping me to get this far!

You can do it! Think of the call as a first step into feeling better. I was nervous about calling a t too. I called one last week and they cannot see me til March but...I feel good about making that first step. I know in my heart I want to feel better and I am hoping he/she can help.