[jbug]

Do you ever want to punch someone in the teeth when they ask you how you are doing when it is quite obvious that you are depressed? I had therapy today and my T asked me that after me sitting in the waiting room looking at my toes and not looking around like I usually do. It was very obvious that something was wrong so in her happy voice she asks so Jan how are you doing today? I wanted to punch her in the mouth. I wouldn't ever do that so don't worry it wouldn't ever happen it just felt like look at me my face is on the floor how does it look like I am feeling. I said my usual I guess I'm ok and we started on a good conversation from there. I know it is just her job to ask how I am feeling but when it is quite obvious why does she still ask?

Jan

[Naturefreak]

Yes , Jbug it has happened on occasion . Just thoughts though .
Or getting a pea-shooter and shooting them in the back of the head to knock some sense into them. I wouldn't take it personally though.

Aren't human beings a thrill sometimes.?

[depressedalaskan]

(((((jbug))))) Not sure how to answer this one. Please do not take it the wrong way as I live with depression daily and some things set me off also. Like what your therapist asked you.

I think that looks do not always tell others how we are truly feeling. As you know many of us here walk around wearing a mask so nobody can tell we have depression.

I think your answer to your therapist should have been the truth, "I am a little depressed today". Instead of "I guess I'm OK". If you are not OK, tell them, let them know, let them help, that is what you are paying them for, put them to work.

I saw my therapist today also and I told him how I truly felt. I believe that the only way we can gain against our illnesses is to be honest to ourselves and the ones who are trying to help us.

Good luck and many hugs for your day..

[AAAAA]

Communication is so important in this life. So many times we think that people should know what we’re thinking when they really have no clue. I understand your frustration, but perhaps it was just a conversation starter, giving you the opportunity to share what you’re comfortable with.

If you think about it for a few minutes I’m sure that you’ll agree if she started with “what’s wrong” and there was nothing wrong you’d be just as upset.

[(JD)]

Anger is an element in depression. I suspect your T knew how you were presenting and was trying to get you to express your feelings. Since you were still unable to, you might be "stuck" in those feelings right now.

It's irrational ((((jbug)))) to be angry at someone who is asking how you are. This compares to one of the cognitive distortions (see sticky at top of psychotherapy) of mind reading. Your depression is causing you to expect others to read your mind and know how you are feeling.

Hang in there. You won't always feel this bad.

[VickiesPath]

I once told someone that when I'm depressed, I usually just sit in a dark room and cry. But if I feel like sitting on the curb with a BB gun and shooting at cars, then I'd better go see T. It's a realiable measuring stick for me.

[Yoda]

I know you are frustrated because you didn't feel your therapist picked up on your mood. She probably realized something was wrong but was not sure what. Depression perhaps. Recently I was bummed when I saw my therapist but it was not depression for me but fear and huge stress after learning I owe the IRS a gazillion dollars (feels like it anyway) and I am terribly worried about my son who is failing in school and I don't know how to help him be self sufficient.

I do hope you are feeling better soon.

[FeelingHopeful]

I know how you feel. Having a rough time with some personal stuff and people know and still say how are you and have a good day. i can get irritated but i know its out of love so i try and not let it get to me.

[jbug]

I know it's the depression talking but it is still hard. I need to learn better coping skills for when the depression manifests itself this way.

Thanks for all the replies.

Jan

[Tumnus]

Originally Posted by Vickie in Phoenix

I once told someone that when I'm depressed, I usually just sit in a dark room and cry. But if I feel like sitting on the curb with a BB gun and shooting at cars, then I'd better go see T. It's a realiable measuring stick for me.

That is a wonderful image! Good measuring stick.

I find that getting pissed off at T usually means there's something worth talking about, no matter who's in the wrong. Having the ability/courage/energy to do so? That's another matter entirely.

[AAAAA]

If you figure out how to deal with the anger and frustration, PLEASE share the secret.

[jbug]

I emailed my T to let her know what was going on. Being this irritable usually leads me down roads I don't need to go down so thought she needed the heads up as she has never really gone down these roads with me.

We will see what she says.

Jan