[littlemissjess]

I've been experiencing depression since 7th grade (3 years ago, i'm in 10th grade now). I've been just about failing every grade and I have a hard time concentrating. I've never seen a doctor about it at all or anything. And I mentioned something to my mom about it, (she works in the same netwok as a bunch of doctors, a hospital, and other things so she gets really good discounts) and she said she would look into my school councelor, but in highschool they could care less about those things, since they have about 400 students since in just my grade we have about 1,200 students. Ahhh, that's insane.

But my mom said it would cost to go to the counsellor and she doesn't want to spend alot of money. And I've been so badly depressed that it led to SI'ing and I don't want to ruin my last 2 years of highschool.

How much would it therapy cost?

Do you think I need the thereapy?

hey there. i think that therapy could help, yeah. i don't know about how much it would cost... health insurance etc etc typically comes into it. sometimes there is a public service where you can get cheap / free treatment.

but it sounds like this is really impacting on your life.

and therapy could really help you

[Soidhonia]

Hello and welcome to Psych Central. I htink therapy can help you establish better patterns of consistency in your life and school. There are also medications available to help you concentrate better and be able to focus better in school and making decisions in your life. The main point is is that you are suffering due to your problems and it is okay to get the professional help you need to feel better and be able to manage your life better to be able to progress in life. I hope things get better for you soon. take care Soidhonia

Well, therapy isn't always necessary -- though, I'm not qualified to say if you really need it or not.

There are other alternatives in some situations--

If you could find someone that you felt comfortable in talking to and was a good "role-model" type person. If not one of your parents-- as I understand sometimes it's just too hard to tell your parents some things--- then maybe one of your friend's mothers..... some moms are very good listeners. (not meaning dads aren't good listeners, just that you are a female so it might be best at this time to talk with a woman)

Oops!--I had to "edit" the post to add this-- I forgot to put it in the original post---

Also-- perhaps there is a female teacher that is kind and understanding that you could meet with before or after school and talk with her. ----- just some ideas....
I wish you luck with this.



mandy

[(JD)]

There are plenty of self-help things to do to pull oneself out of depression. To maintain good mental health though, one needs to learn how to prevent the downward spiral, if possible. (Meaning it isn't indogenous, but exogenous.)

Try reading and working through the Cognitive Distortions list at the top of the Psychotherapy forum. By changing how we think and how we react/respond to situations we can feel better about ourselves.

There is also an online self help book by drclay this is a link to the boundaries part of it http://www.psychologicalselfhelp.org.../chap8_31.html
Good wishes!

[Peanuts]

I am sorry that your mom is so concerned about spending money to get you help. She may not get that much of a discount, especially if it is for mental health. There are still a lot of folks whose health care coverage does not cover mental health on the same level as physical help. I don't know if this is a possibility or not - but can you talk with your dad ??

Can you ask to just get an evaluation - to see if there is anything that can help you feel better. A one-time visit or two - then perhaps the professional can work with your folks to arrange for services that can fit within the family budget.

You can still meet with your school counselor - tell the counselor about your family situation and ask for a referral into the community. Who knows, the school counselor may know someone in the community who can help. You can at least get a list of potential names to give your parents.

I hope you feel better soon !! Hang in there, don't give up. Keep asking for assistance.

[Rapunzel]

You don't know how much I wish that I had been able to get some help when I was your age. The longer that you don't get help of some kind to get better, the harder it will be and the longer it will take. It is possible to find an adult who you can talk to and who will give you the acceptance and validation that you are needing, but if you had that available, I would guess that you would probably already be doing better. It might not take a lot, and there are ways to get therapy for less cost. I felt the same way that you do about school counselors (since I also went to a huge high school, and never had experiences with them that made me feel like they cared. But if you specifically go to them and tell them what you need help with, they can talk with you a few times, and might have groups available that could help you, and can also help you to find a therapist and the means to go to therapy. Why not give it a try?

[withit]

IMO, the fact that you are si'ing is an indication that there is a lot of serious stuff beneath the surface. People who si are in a LOT of psychic pain, and I would definitely recommend opening up to someone. Do you have a close friend with whom you are open and vulnerable?
If not, therapy can be the place where you develop a trusting relationship.
Best of luck to you.