What is 'proper' help?

Hey I've stuck this thread here because it's not specific to 'one disorder'.

But the question came up in conversation today:

What is 'proper' help?

Is it

* Seeing a GP and getting meds if necessary?
* Seeing a psychiatrist and getting meds if necessary?
* Seeing a counsellor?
* Seeing a psychologist?
* Combinations of the above - if so, which?
* Just taking care of yourself?

What is the definition of 'proper help' to you?

What sorts of things does it depend on (whether it's 'proper' or not)?

Curious ...

I guess it's an individual thing. We are the best experts on ourselves, aren't we?

I think if a person trusts herself she seeks the kind of help that feels right to her. Whereas someone who does not trust herself will look to others to tell her what's the right kind of help for her.

Proper help can mean one thing to me and another thing to you. It can mean one thing to me today and another thing to me tomorrow. Though I think all of your choices in combination or solo would constitute proper help.

So which particular problem do you have in mind? That's in need of 'proper help'?

I think its meant to contrast to the 'improper help' that consumers can offer to one another.

:-p

(I'm kinda semi sorta kidding just in case you thought i was being serious)

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alexandra_k said:
I think its meant to contrast to the 'improper help' that consumers can offer to one another.

:-p

(I'm kinda semi sorta kidding just in case you thought i was being serious)

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Ehehehehe

Just in general really.

I think it is individual too.

I like to think I know what I need ...

Hmmm.

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drunksunflower said:

I like to think I know what I need ...

Hmmm.

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You're a girl after my heart!

So is someone telling you to do things THEIR way?

I am not sure entirely ...

It feels like it is implying that what I am doing is not good enough though.

It is no big deal ... I just wondered how other people define 'proper help' ... because I think I am doing the most that I can / need to right now ...

This doesn't have to be about me, anyway, I just thought ... maybe it would be an interesting ish topic ... maybe not ...

I too think it is up to the individual person. It depends on the severity of the issues. Face it, some of us need a pdoc and a T and a regular doc. However, my brother manages his issues with just his regular doc and wild horses could not drag him to a counselor or T. I am a firm believer that if a person is going to be on a combo of psych meds that it should be handled by a pdoc. However, there are some regular docs who take an interest in pscyh issues and stay up to date on the meds, so I guess it really depends on the client and on the doc.

If anyone is implying that what you are doing is not good enough, then that is their personal opinion. And then there is your own personal opinion. Your opinion carries just as much weight, if not more, than his. So go with it.

I have a friend who was severely depressed after the birth of her child. She saw a psychiatrist, got onto zoloft, and felt great. A few years down the road she realized the meds were not treating the underlying reasons for her depression. So upon my urging she began seeing a therapist. She felt relief at being able to unburden herself to someone. She is now hooked on therapy. Funny, how five years ago she wouldn't hear of it. So, like I said, it could mean one thing to me today and another thing to me some other time.

When I was depressed I wanted to see a therapist. I wouldn't hear of ad! Now, a few years down the road, I am open to taking ad's.

So just go with what you feel is right for you.

Though I think the research shows that psychotherapy in combo with meds is appropriate treatment for depression.

and if it was about treating depression rather than helping me as a person that might be right.

Psychotherapy and meds together have the best response.

in every single patient ever dx'd with depression???

or 'on average'?

how do i know whether that is what is best for me?

Yea I can understand that psisci.

I DID try therapy once (lasted about four sessions) because an ex bf made me.

Guess that put me pretty much against it - lol.

i think the notion is that 'proper help' consists in the help that has shown to be effective for this idealised beast depression (that you may or may not exemplify in virtue of your dx)

IMHO, seeking the proper help would be like seeing a Pdoc for anything mental I mean would you see a Dentist if ya had a broken foot, or seeing a Ear, Eye, and Throat Dr for pregnancey (sp), not saying this exactly the way I want but hope ya get what I'm trying to say
Angie

doctors scare me - lol.

i finally have a gp who seems nice enough and is very free with sleepy drugs and stuff ... i dunno if i could make myself see anyone else lol.

/lamesauce moi

heck come pick me up we'll go together

Lol ... maybe after a few stiff drinks (for me anyhow!!!!!)

There is no such thing as proper help,just a little bit there,and a little bit here,but no enchalada!