I'm 16, and I'm aiming to find a therapist who can not only withstand my complaints but doesn't treat me like a over-exaggerating person. I want to he or she to help me like an individual and express kindness to me and even give me good medicine to improve my health. By the way, are female or male therapists easier to talk with? And has anyone visited a therapist called "Shanti"? I've found her on this page.

I feel like I've been not diagnosed for something, and it's a strong feeling because I know that my mentality and communication skills are not the average person. Depression, anxiety, OCD, I don't know, something that will explain to me why I am like this! (I feel like I'm diagnosed with Depression and another thing called "sluggish cognitive tempo" which is new to me).

I'm not saying that I hate myself for being who I am, but I want to better understand myself so I can adapt to my environment and be more comfortable in my skin. I don't want to live not knowing what's wrong with me. If I'm diagnosed with something, great! I'm happier than before!

~~~

Besides finding the right therapist, in my culture (I guess this is the same for everyone, but I want to tell you a bit about our self), it's simple: if you can't live life like the other average girl, you're pretty much done for and a loser. Okay, that last part was a stretch, but families and strangers will look down upon you except for those rare individuals who tell me never to give up and live life to my expectations.

My parents, for example, think I'm just crazy or stupid and always tell me that I just need to mature or grow up O_O Guys, when I think something's been bothering me for years, I want help. As for my friends, they don't think anything's wrong with me. Of course, I've hidden my private life away from them, so they think I need to relax and enjoy life. One of my closest friends is very smart and has a loving family. She grew up in a lovely neighborhood and was supported with care. She had her ups-and-downs in school like I did but not as severe, but she was a strong person, and even now she is. And for some reason, a student who has never experienced any mental illness, tells me that people with depression/any illness are just dumb or don't do anything in life. I feel like that was targeted to me.

Apart from support from a few friends (who I'm grateful for), friends nor family want to help me. I have to find ways to improve myself and find the right therapist online by myself, and it sucks, let me tell you.

***If there are any questions you'd like to ask that wasn't mentioned here, please feel free to do so!

[CantExplain]

Good luck with your journey!

[RTerroni]

It all depends, my current Therapist is leaving in four weeks so I will be looking for a new Therapist soon, and I will definatley have some preferences.

[HazelGirl]

Maybe your problems are due to how your parents are treating you? And maybe it would help to talk all that over with a T?

[browncat]

Hi, I wish you luck in your search for a therapist. I would just make sure they are licensed, and even online therapists have pictures posted of their license on their website or should have a way to prove to you that they are licensed. You may want to ask them a few questions first before you decide to see them, about your concerns or your goals. I wish you all the best!

Originally Posted by browncat

Hi, I wish you luck in your search for a therapist. I would just make sure they are licensed, and even online therapists have pictures posted of their license on their website or should have a way to prove to you that they are licensed. You may want to ask them a few questions first before you decide to see them, about your concerns or your goals. I wish you all the best!

Thanks! I'll be sure to take your advice!