Should I seek help?

Question

I saw a therapist for probably over 10 years. One day I felt a release in myself and I stopped going. I saw him last October. I have learned a lot even after I stopped going. Lately I have felt depressed and panicky. I will be on a couple of antidepressant for the rest of my life. I've been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. I am afraid that I may get lost--trying to remember how to get to his office. Should I try to live thru this panic and depression on my own. (I do still see a psychiatrist every 3 months. I don't want my medicine increased.) Should I call my therapist--I'm afraid.

Answer 1

Please, see your therapist again. You mentioned feeling depressed and panicky-those are two good reasons to go back to him. Also, if you are concerned about getting lost trying to find his office, please feel free to call and get directions, it's okay-it's been awhile since you saw him. I wish you the best. Take care.

Answer 2

ack, I get those memory problems too, when I am really depressed. The pills did help with that, fortunately. Do you use a light box?? (Like for seasonal affective disorder?) If you live up north, that is really a help in the winter, if you have more problems then. Also, I like to use it in the summer when it is overcast more than a couple of days. Psychiatrists really like these light boxes, but for some reason they never remember to mention them. I think most patients don't want to take the time or pay for the thing? Get the Sunray, it's online for about $300. Or something similar. The local medical supplies charge a lot more.

There is benefit in ongoing support from a therapist. Also, joining a social group would help, you want to have as good a social support system as you can. I go to a drop in center, a social club for people with mental illness, you can google your state plus mental plus consumer and see what you can find (consumer is the new lingo for a person with mental illness that is focused on recovery and growth, rather than dysfunction and sickness). I feel kinda dumb going to a therapist because I already have my act together, it's just mental illness that is the problem, but I need to go. And there is nothing wrong with taking breaks either, to take time to grow into yourself, and then move on to some new issues/learing/life stages. I've taken breaks from therapy before.

So call your therapist. My psychiatrist told me that she has a patient that calls 3 times a day, every day!!! So you won't be out of line!! My therapist wishes that I WOULD call when I'm in crisis!

Take care of yourself!! Do some nice things for yourself, and try to keep your stress low, that makes symptoms worse.

Answer 3

Being afraid, and admitting is commendable, but wondering whether you should go to a therapist with your own admittedly depression, is just plain silly not knowing what to do. What did you do before when you were feeling like you are now? When a recovering alcoholic starts feeling like he/she may be too weak to not take that next drink, and have been sober for quite some time, what do they do? usually go back to AA until the anxiety and fear has passed, because that is where they knew they felt the best. It's only common sense to return to what helped you the last time.

Answer 4

I think you should call your therapist & tell him exactly what's going on. Some kind of arrangement can be made for you to see him--if he's really good, he may do a 1st session w/you over the phone. (Otherwise, do you have someone who could take you?) I think you need to see him. The sooner the better.

There's always a reason for depression. Drugs alone can't treat it. You need to talk about where it's coming from. Face it head on & then you can move on from it. (Easier said than done, I know but sometimes we have to push ourselves if we truly want to move past the depression.)

Answer 5

I would talk to my Doctor and tell him about this situation. Personally I don't like therapists. But that ones up to you. I have a major depression disorder also and my regular doctor has me on meds and sees me every 3 months to make sure that I am doing ok..If I have a really really depressing issue he sees me.
Try this before the therapists.

Good Luck!!

Answer 6

You know, if there's one thing I've learned with dealing with depression before is that, no matter how bad you've got it, there's someone out there who has it worse than yourself. You wouldn't believe it when you're in it, but the best thing is to surround yourself where you can help others. I believe this is the best medicine God has created. Most people don't stop to realize this, but helping others not only benefits yourself but others also. Every now and then we need a uplift. This is the best way to recovering in the long run. Learn to know yourself, what you're are capable of and what you're not. And when you're not, ask for help...

Answer 7

Millie take a deep breath and relax. Yes, you should call your therapist. You can do this tomorrow.I'm sure he will be concerned(and pleased) when you call. Be sure to tell him that you are not sure how to get to his office. He will arrange for you to get there. Now, get some rest and be sure to let us know how you are. A lot of us here really care....hugs

Answer 8

you should call & talk with your therapist. If you are afraid to drive there ,maybe you could get directions from mapquest. You should not live in fear & depression. You may need different meds, not more meds. It sounds like the ones you are on may not be working anymore.

Answer 9

You have come so far to risk relapse, talk to your therapist, talk is good it may help you to overcome the feelings that are causing you concern. Only your doctor can change your medications. I have therapy weekly this keeps me from lapsing & risking increase of medications & hospitalisation.
Stay well & good luck.

Answer 10

Yes, call the therapist and tell him about your current situation. You'll feel better.