[wotchermuggle]

Have you ever felt you were going to wear out your therapist or psychiatrist?

I’ve been struggling since September. My Pdoc and therapist have been super but even I’m tired of myself. What, if anything, should I be doing to keep them from feeling overwhelmed and overburdened?

I feel like my T would say he can look after himself but I just worry.

It’s hard to be struggling, worried about yourself and also be taking care of those people trying to help you.

I’m just not sure what to do. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks.

[sophiebunny]

You don't need to protect them. It's their therapeutic responsibility to care for themselves. If they have good boundaries, you have nothing to fear. It's their job to handle your illnesses however they present themselves. If you take the focus off of your recovery and put it on their feelings, that's a boundary issue. The process is about you, not them. I can understand the feeling, its natural if you have had really good care to feel protective of your treatment team, but let them worry about them. You focus on you. That is the best way you can contribute to the relationship.

[Omers]

I learned I wouldnt wear them out when at different times I decided not to let each of them know how much I was struggling. Worry wears them out far faster than working with us on anything.

[susannahsays]

Why are you worried they are going to wear out?

[ArtleyWilkins]

They're tough. Remember, they aren't going through what you are going through. They aren't living your reality. They have you and probably several dozen more clients/patients that they also work with. This is their normal. All you need to focus on is yourself and what you need and are working on. It is their job to take care of their own professional needs, and they will.

[wotchermuggle]

Thanks to those who have responded so far.

Originally Posted by susannahsays

Why are you worried they are going to wear out?

Because I’m really struggling and I feel they are in part, at least, worried from time to time so I don’t want to wear them out as I need them.

[susannahsays]

I more meant are you doing some sort of behaviors that you're fearful are going to burn them out, such as contacting them excessively outside of session or something.

[wotchermuggle]

Originally Posted by susannahsays

I more meant are you doing some sort of behaviors that you're fearful are going to burn them out, such as contacting them excessively outside of session or something.

I do have significant contact with my T outside of session but that has been the case for a long time. My Pdoc has been scheduling me for weekly appointments which is concerning to me and I know my T would be happier if I emailed more, not less. I don’t know. I guess I’m just a worry wart. The last thing I want to be is a burden, ya know, and then get dumped though they’ve never hinted that could happen. Maybe I’m worrying for nothing.

I just hate to rely on someone and then get hurt.

[SlumberKitty]

This is something that I used to worry about with former T but my fears were unfounded. She was capable of taking care of herself. Once I let that go and just focused on what I needed, it made things easier. HUGS Kit

[nottrustin]

I have voiced concerns of being to much for them to handle or too needy especially around outside contact and my often feeling like I am on an emotional rollercoaster.

They always told me they could handle themselves. However of there were ever any concerns they promised they would talk to me about it.

[*Beth*]

Not my therapist as much, but my pdoc - absolutely. I really battle with meds. I need them, but I hate what they've done to my physical health.

[SheHulk07]

I worry mostly about my pdoc because he's expressed that maybe he's not helping me and I need a different provider. It makes me worry telling him how things are because I've gotten comfortable with him and I dont want him worrying about me everytime I leave his office...which he's also has said.

[Taylor27]

Hugs, It's my worry too and my therapist keeps telling me that as long as i am open with her and honest she will help me and to not worry about what she can handle. Hugs

[sophiebunny]

I have had periods of time in my 10 year relationship with my therapist that I was encouraged to make outside contact as I needed. I found that as I grew and healed I didn't need that outside contact so much. Now I hardly ever contact her between sessions. It's about growth. If your therapist says its ok to contact as you need to, do so. It sounds like your psychiatrist is very involved as well. You seem to have a good team. You will grow and not need them so much. They know that.

[stopdog]

No - I never concerned myself with the therapist. They get paid and can take care of themselves.