[Rainestorme]

Hello! I'm not new to therapy. I've been in therapy on and off for the past 16 years. Due to some rapid life changes (and change in health insurance) I lost my therapist. She was "out of network." That was 2 years ago. I'm currently in the process of getting paperwork filed for medical leave from work due to physical injury. But I realized just a few hours ago that that means I'll be seeing my primary doctor as early as later today. I had promised myself that the next opportunity I had, I would talk to my doctor about my mental health.

I have many mental health concerns: C-PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, a Dissociative Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, etc (received official diagnoses from my previous therapists). If that weren't enough, I have some more symptoms that I don't know how to classify. I self harmed for the first time in years a few days ago. I suffer from intense tactile hallucinations. I've been hearing sounds that no one else can hear. After a bad PTSD trigger, sometimes I can't move my body at all or speak for several minutes. I have beliefs that my husband has told me are delusional (I believe my abuser can watch and track me using satellites).

I have a Bachelor's degree in psychology. I know it doesn't sound good. I'm really scared to open up and tell my doctor everything. I know that she'll get the ball rolling towards helping me find a therapist. But it's terrifying to me. Some of these symptoms, I've kept secret for several years bc, having a B.S. in psychology, I know they are serious.

[Victoria'smom]

Don't analyze yourself. Do you have to get a referral from your primary care doctor to get help? My PCP isn't generally helpful when it comes to mental health.

Write down your history along with all your diagnosis, medication you've tried and your reactions to it. Be honest when writing it down when which symptoms started and what you are dealing with now. The things that stress you out the most or affect your relationships the most. It may not be as bad as you think. You're well enough to know you need help and to get it. Best of luck.

[Lostislost]

If you find a decent therapist then all your symptoms shouldn't be much of a big deal. Our brains and bodies cope with things the best way they can, therapy is meant to help you understand what's going on. Sometimes the symptoms get better in the process, sometimes not.

Some people find their voices, hallucinations and beliefs a very important and useful part of themselves when they start looking at them closely. A psychology degree is very different from therapy, and there are so many kinds of therapy. In my experience normal doctors have no idea what they are on about, most of the time.

You seem to be able to express yourself very well, which should work in your favour when it comes to therapy! Good luck, I hope you have a good match soon.

[precaryous]

Also agree my PCP wasn’t helpful with finding a therapist. You can ask. But I’m not sure I would divulge everything you’ve written to your PCP at this time.

Can you go to your insurance’s website to see who they cover? Then vet out these names looking through reviews online.