[Hopeful78]

Well, I took the initial step to find out about therapy. I've been avoiding it for so long, for various reasons the past couple of years. I don't know if I can do anything for financial reasons, but at least I have tried to find out. I just sent an e-mail requesting info to a local therapist. It's all I can think about at this point. I don't know how to help myself anymore - just need a direction to go in.

Good for you, Hopeful, for trying something new! Why not give it a try - at least then you won't wonder about it anymore. That's pretty much the approach I took. A friend had suggested therapy to me (he had found it very helpful in his life) and I sort of just took him up on it on a whim, not having any idea what therapy was about. I even told my T that on the first visit -- I said I didn't know if therapy was right for me and that I had no idea what to talk about. She walked me through things...

I was *very* lucky in that the first T I called, called me back and turned out to be a great fit. But don't be discouraged if you have to reach out to a few different T's before finding the right one. That's pretty common too.

Good luck!

[Hopeful78]

Thank you, notme9.

[RedCylon]

Actually looking for and calling a therapist was, for me anyway, the most difficult part of the entire therapy process. I procrastinated for the longest time, and I was almost shaking when I was on the phone with her. But it all worked out for the best, and now I can't wait to go back.

It might turn out to be the best decision you ever made in your life. Congratulations for being brave enough to take that first step, which is never easy. You know that old saying about the longest journeys starting with the first step? It's true.

Good luck!

[WePow]

This is the hardest step - and the most important. It shows that you are ready to do the work. You are ready to claim what is rightfully yours - mental health.
Give yourself a big pat on the back!!!

[jexa]

Nicely done Hopeful! Good luck on this journey. At first I was afraid of going to therapy, and now I look forward to sessions most of the time. Let us know what you find out

[gravyyy]

I agree with the others. Initiating the call or e-mail to the therapist is the hardest part. The first appointment is difficult as far as anxiety before it but calling is way worse in my opinion. Even to call after having been a patient for years I still find anxiety-provoking. I commend you for feeling poorly but still doing what you need to do to move on in your life. I know myself and many people can learn and be inspired by your strength and courage. Keep at it and I wish you the best!!! Take care!

[Hopeful78]

Thank you guys, for all the support. Actually, I wasn't so brave as I e-mailed instead of calling. I do just HATE calling, about anything for that matter. But I am happy to say that this therapist has e-mailed me twice, once about options for lower-pay or free therapy. So I guess maybe I'm on the way......................Wow, I feel so nervous now. At the moment, I was in such a crisis, I just wanted to go then. But now......................

Hi (((((((hopeful))))))))) <- (i like your name )

My initial contact with my T was through e-mail also. He kept sending me e-mails back asking about good times to call, giving me his phone number, etc....but I was way too scared to use the phone and ended up putting off therapy for 2 more months. Once I ended up in crisis yet again, I e-mailed again (same T) and finally got brave enough to let him call me. We talked on the phone a few times before we met, and he was really helpful when I was thinking through what I wanted in a therapist. (I was trying to pick between him and another T)

Here I am 2 1/2 years later, and my life has changed SO much. I don't even feel like the same person in a lot of ways. Things are way better. I'm really, really glad that I finally just pushed through the fear and picked up the phone.

I guess my point is....it IS really scary, AND it's worth it.

[HereIamBp]

You did a great job on calling the therapist. It took you a lot of strength. For me, I decided I would have to be crazy to call a pdoc. I waited until I did feel like I was going crazy! Calling and showing up for the appointment was the best thing I could ever have done. I waited way too long. Good luck on your recovery.