I've been finding everything makes so much more sense when I have been able to unburden myself by asking questions about things that I need advice on.Do you think being able to do this is in someways helping me to deal with and possibly even treat the depression I'm suffering from?I find this all quite cathartic.Is yahoo answers the new counselling service?
2006-07-22 10:08:05 · 28 answers · asked by rhieanon6108 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Very well could be. I have to wonder sometimes though whether some of the questions are really serious, or are the people just trying to see what kind of answers they can get.
With that said, I have to say, I answer questions as honestly as I can, if I feel it IS a sincere question. You just never know who is serious or who's just messing around.
I think that for some people though, that it IS a sort of therapy, without having to pay to get honest answers.
I am being treated for depression also, and I see some things on here that actually make me laugh out loud!
Also, a therapist once told me to write down all my thoughts, which I did for a long time and it really did make me feel somewhat better. I think this is just another form of doing the same thing. I just don't keep a journal of it.
Good luck with the depression, I know how you feel!
2006-07-22 10:21:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
As a trained counsellor I think that anywhere that people can unburden themselves and get some objectivity is good. Even two minutes of talking over a problem is better than letting it fester. However I don't think Yahoo Answers can really substitute for on-going counselling with a good counsellor, although I have found myself 'counselling' people through Mail or Messenger and they have been very positive therapeutic experiences. Counselling isn't about giving advice, its about giving people the space to explore their own issues and to find the answers that they already hold within.
2006-07-23 12:52:02 · answer #2 · answered by Mick H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a psychology student I would advice you to visit an expert if you are indeed suffering from depression. People talk based on their own experiences and sometimes they don't give the 'right' answers and in your case it can be harmful. However, if you are really finding the help you need here and you are feeling good about it there is no reason for you to stop using yahoo answers. I dont know if yahoo answers is the new cousenlling service but to be honest the only difference I can see from the internet counsenlling services is that you can talk to 'experts'.
2006-07-22 12:34:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the type of counselling you might need. It's definately helpful as long as you discard the sarcasm and look for the little "gems of wisdom" that appear on here from time to time. As long as you're not feeling suicidal at the time, there may even be a place for the ridiculous answers because they could make you smile momentarily and possibly see the funny side of the problem for a second or two. Who knows? Anyway .... if it helps ... do it!!
2006-07-22 16:17:30 · answer #4 · answered by Jan D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Glad it helped you! You need to be very careful what advice you take from these strangers. Some people offer intelligent heart felt advice and others do not. Some people need real in depth counseling, and should seek that. If you feel this does the trick for you I am so glad this is useful to you! I try to help people here and so do some of the others who answer!
2006-07-22 10:23:40 · answer #5 · answered by shepherd 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have to say that no, I don't think it really compares. Central to counselling therapy is the practice of building up a relationship of trust with another person. That trust doesn't exist here for we don't know who will answer. But I'm happy that you're finding lots of benefits from using this service anyway x
2006-07-22 17:52:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, it differs based on the kind of person. Some prefer to keep their identity unknown and they find getting help in this way better. On the other hand, some people like to talk face-to-face with others and that helps them better. So it can be as good as counselling.
2006-07-22 13:05:35 · answer #7 · answered by K.P. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If this place gives you positives answers and you feel good by the results, go for it.
Their seems to be a lot of genuine people willing to help here.
Just reading the answers from others has a positive reaction for me to answer on this sight.
Counsellors are OK, but most of us answer our own questions here as counsellors too.
Good Luck
2006-07-22 10:34:20 · answer #8 · answered by ctalbot41 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's so helpful when you do get people replying with genuine answers and they want to help but not when you get some nerd who can be quite insulting with their low level of intelligence. They may only be doing it to get points but if you are feeling low I can imagine they would lower your esteem even further.
I shall keep answering as many as I can in a constructive manner.
2006-07-22 10:18:31 · answer #9 · answered by Milly (UK) 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
oh yes, i totally agree with you..I have asked for advice on personal matters that i've been worried about on here and found the answers to be very helpful in both helping me solve the problem as well as giving me peace of mind and i hope i can do the same for somebody else :-)
2006-07-22 10:13:31 · answer #10 · answered by maidenrocks 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋