Sex therapy?

I know I posted this also in the relationship and communication thread, I didn't realize this. Should I try sex therapy? I read the article about it and even my boyfriend suggested it. I think I have a serious fear of sex and I really don't know why. I've totally lost interest in even trying to do it. I don't know if it's because I'm stressed out a lot from family, my live-in boyfriend, college, graduation, and my boyfriend and I have talked about getting married some time. I just about freak about anything and everything. An example, my mom told me to clean out the kitty box and I flipped completely out. It didn't help my mom kept yelling at me. I'm 21 almost 22 and have always been overprotected my entire life. My father was a very controlling man though since the divorce he's changed. I feel like there is so much wrong with me and it is a reason why I'm so afraid to try anything new. I know I have a lot of issues to settle first and I want another opinion. Everyone I know just blows me off thinking I'm being overly dramatic. I don't really have too many people to talk to about these issues. I just feel like I'm almost to my breaking point; I know I won't do anything to hurt myself. I just know I need some help, but I really don't have the money to see someone about it.

It sounds more like you should start with "general" therapy instead of sex therapy, and figure out exactly what's causing your distress. It sounds like you have a start on identifying the issues but could use some help putting the puzzle together.

Do you have medical insurance that would cover a visit to a psychiatrist? If so, that's a great place to start. They can tell you if you need any medical treatment and refer you to a good therapist (which could also be covered, depending on your insurance).

It's also worth looking into your college's counseling services, which are often free. In my experience they're not for in-depth or long-term therapy, but they can give you some perspective and guidance.

Good luck and take care of yourself. I know times are tough (I just lost my job, for example) but it is worth putting money into if you can possibly manage it.

Thank you so much! I don't have any medical insurance unfortunately and the small community college that I go to doesn't have any counseling services that I know of. I've thought about going to the mental health center, but I'm not sure how much it would be to go there. Thank you again for the suggestion.