[atisketatasket]

A couple weeks ago I found myself without a psychiatrist and a regular therapist within the space of a few days. Psychiatrist tried to bully me into a treatment option that I felt was unnecessary and had serious objections to; it ended in her giving me an ultimatum and me walking. Couldn't afford the therapist (No. 2) anymore, so she wished me "take care" and that was that. I have intermittent contact as necessary with a former therapist hundreds of miles away (No. 3) but that is not a good long-term solution for either of us.

So I have appointments with a few potential Nos. 4 in the next couple weeks (obviously they take my insurance). A new psychiatrist is necessary because I have found medication helpful, and that is set, but as the appointments with possible Nos. 4 get closer, I wonder, why go? It's true I have a number of issues that I could use help and support with:

*Messy divorce after an abusive marriage
*Health issues
*Depression
*Anxiety
*Heavy emotional turmoil due to everything on this list
*

Possible trigger:

thoughts of suicide and self-harm, regular until a few weeks ago, now only occasional and not intrusive, probably thanks to medication

*Some life issues never really dealt with like a parent's death, infertility
*Reverberations from an old trauma also never dealt with at all (PTSD, etc.)
*Not a great deal of support on the ground (one reason I started therapy was social anxiety), and as for family - brother travels for business a lot internationally, sister has small kids, mother is even more out of touch with emotions than I am. They all love me but aren't necessarily available
*And now deepening mistrust of any mental health providers

I wouldn't say therapy has been un-useful. Certainly No. 3 helped me stay alive during her watch. 1 and 2 gave me support when most of this was going down last fall and also the confidence to make some changes I wanted to make in my life (mostly marital). But I'm not at all sure rushing into more therapy is best for me right now. It's always annoying to start up with someone new, and then hope they know what they're doing. I have no problems functioning in my daily life.

It often seems around here that the proposed solution to failed therapy is more therapy. Is that really true?

I'm posting this more as a test case for that assertion, rather than asking for personal advice. I'll probably go to the first appointments with these people and make up my own mind from there. But I am curious: can you tell me, in 25 words or less, whether you think I should go back to therapy and why?

Your relationship with No.3 is evidence it could be helpful, but only you can know for sure. Trust your instincts.

21 words

[ruh roh]

I don't see you as someone who would fall for bad therapy, and you've seemed to benefit from having someone to touch base with, so...

[ruh roh]

I kept to 25 word limit, but would have added ... I don't see the harm in seeing who's out there that might be somewhat helpful.

[ruh roh]

And I don't mean to say that there is a type who falls for bad therapy, just that you seem to be able to hold your own and walk away when you need to.

[awkwardlyyours]

What EM + rr said.

25 ÷ 5

[awkwardlyyours]

Also,

- Totally trust your first instincts on whether the T knows what they're doing.

- Don't give your life story at the outset.

[awkwardlyyours]

^Things I wish I'd done when T-searching.

(Word limit hampered politeness)

[Demunie]

Yes
Because you're worth it.

Possible trigger:

Regular thoughts of suicide and SH aren't anything you should have to deal with

I don't think you should go back because it seems to be disempowering for you.

You're going through a lot, and from what you said here, there's little doubt that you are in need of support; and with the social anxiety and all... If you don't mind (if you do, disregard), I'd like to make a suggestion-instead of finding another therapist, maybe try an alternative medicine practitioner (chiropracter; therapeutic massage therapist, etc.).

Some integrative medicine practices do everything from nutrition to accupuncture, and most seem to incorporate multiple facets of wellness interventions, including mental wellness.

Hope things get better from here.

I don't know, atat (if I can call you that)

What I can say confidently is that reading your posts here on PC reminds me of myself all the time, through and through. I wanted to tell you this and now is a good time. I am also an academic..., moving all over the map, love words, books, cats (and other animals), super critical inside out... I have never been married but relate to the messy "divorce"... anxiety, depression, everyday suicidal ideations...

And, I just fired my therapist

So I have no advice but wanted to come here and commiserate

(That was obviously more than 25)

[DelusionsDaily]

Trust yourself. If you don't feel ready(or the need) for more therapy right away then wait. Unsure...try it...see how you feel.

[AllHeart]

"Can you tell me, in 25 words or less, whether you think I should go back to therapy and why?"

No, because only you are the expert on your situation. I will give you one reason why someone in a similar situation might need to carry on with therapy though...

Because they don't have other self-help, healing alternatives, support, or resources lined-up that they can follow through with, thus making the heavy emotional turmoil even heavier.

I hope you find your truth soon!

[unaluna]

Start up in january, if you like. People are all going crazy and desperately asking for extra appointments during the winter holidays / SAD season. And why are you staring into nothingness? Dont you have a television? Thats unamerican! At least get muppet tonight dvds.

[ilikecats]

Yes because it's been helpful before so it can be helpful again.

[atisketatasket]

Originally Posted by unaluna

Start up in january, if you like. People are all going crazy and desperately asking for extra appointments during the winter holidays / SAD season. And why are you staring into nothingness? Dont you have a television? Thats unamerican! At least get muppet tonight dvds.

I have a TV, but election night was the last time I turned it on, and I'm afraid to turn it on again.

Besides, I rely on you for entertainment!

I feel immensely proud of staying within the word count (considering I am generally quite verbose) as I seem to be in the minority!

[stopdog]

I don't see any reason not to try not having therapy and see how it goes. One can always try again at a later time.

You could go if you still need help processing all that you listed. If not, try things on your own. Keep us posted

[Luce]

You are in so much pain. I don't know what will relieve it for you. I wish you the wisdom to discover the answer.

[here today]

If you have hope for something better in your life and want to try therapy again, then go. If you have no hope then go.

I think that when we are having therapy it stirs up a lot of emotions, and that when we stop, they settle down, and we feel differently, so a break can be helpful. You mentioned that your sister has young children. Perhaps being an actively involved aunt would be helpful to you, your sister and the kids? Maybe you already are, and so this is unhelpful. (I wish I had an aunt actively involved in my kids.)

[rainbow8]

I think "heavy emotional turmoil" is reason enough to go back to therapy. Depression and anxiety too. Try different type of therapy maybe?