I'm at a college campus - the Counseling and Testing Center closes in just a few hours. If I go, after hiding a secret of self injury and depression for 4 years, what do I do? I can't just say point blank what my symptoms are and why I'm there. The counseling is free, but I'm not sure about the testing. In any case, do I ask them to test me for mental disorders like BPD?
BTW: If I went today, I'd have to make an appointment for next week to meet with a therapist or someone else on the professional staff.
2007-03-16 08:00:24 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
radiofly, I wouldn't want to use my parent's insurance because I don't want them to find this out... ever. I'm over 18 so the CTC staff are not allowed to tell them.
Frankly... I'm petrified at telling the staff what's going on...
2007-03-16 08:12:54 · update #1
Bless your heart... why not print out what you just put here?.... it is "point blank" and that what therapist are there for... don't be judgemental about yourself... they will not be either...
2007-03-16 08:05:05 · answer #1 · answered by millstone7201 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been suffering from clinical depression for almost a decade. After a certain period of time (especially when your younger) your brain will be trained into being depressed. It's almost as if you get addicted to the chemicals your brain puts out, so I highly suggest you get help.
It's not as scary as it sounds, usually you just go in and talk about yourself and your history. For example, you might say my parents got a divorce when I was 12 and that's when my mood started to go down, and I've been in a funk ever since. They might ask for your symptoms, but don't think you'll be judged. Believe me there is always someone who has a weirder situation. You could bring up the injury at a different time if you feel uncomfortable. They usually let you lead the session, so you get to pick what you want to talk about. I had this horrible thing to say in therapy once and I was totally scared to say it, so I just didn't make eye contact and said it as fast as I could. I felt so much better just to get it out into the world, that it just wasn't stuck in my head.
They might also suggest that you try medication as well. I suggest you at least try, give it your all. It may take a couple months but it's almost as if the cloud just lifts off. Keep going to therapy if that's the case. When your mind isn't all mucked up with depression it's the best time to get down to the hard work.
As for the testing... I can't think of a thing they'll test you for. And the way to see if someone has BPD is by asking questions that are usually yes or no. So you won't get poked and prodded or anything like that. Besides you always have the power to say no, I don't want to do that.
Good luck! I suggest you search online for sites about depression, and therapy. The more information you know the less scary it'll seem. You are in control of your depression and of your counseling, it might not seem that way but you are. To get better, it'll take hard work, it's not easy. But it'll be the biggest investment you could ever make. If you have any other questions or want to talk to someone go ahead and e-mail me! Best wishes.
2007-03-16 08:20:13 · answer #2 · answered by Miss E 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Please go today. And yes, though it is hard to start, you will be amazed at how good it feels to tell someone these kinds of things point blank. They will not be shocked or kick you out or anything! They are used to intense issues like this. Hopefully you'll find someone you trust who will set you up with a more specialized professional who can help you. If you have your parents' insurance at all, it might be best to try and get transferred to an off-campus therapist/psychologist etc. Just my experience but the campus counselors tend to be...how should i put this.....well, kind of like the guidance counselors at high school. Sure, some are nice, but when you r dealing with something serious like possible BPD, u don't just want a smiley mom, you want someone with training and experience. Best of luck to you, shoot me an email if you need to talk.
2007-03-16 08:08:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey, I went to my campus' counseling center, didn't want my parents to know. My issues were different from what you're dealing with, but basically I walked in and asked if I could get in to talk to someone at some point. They asked if it was an emergency. I said no. They gave me a packet, told me to fill it out and bring it back, then when I brought it back they made me an initial screening appointment. You don't have to tell the receptionist anything, really. And you can always ask questions either of a counselor or of the receptionist in regards to the testing. They'll probably decide what they wanna test you for, you probably don't have to ask about it yourself, although you may wanna ask if they intend to do testing when you first see them. Best of luck, I hope this works out for you, and if you wanna talk more about it feel free to message me or something.
2007-03-16 08:55:18 · answer #4 · answered by wonderer152 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What will happen is you'll go and meet with someone...a worker, counselor or evaluator. You will explain to them why you're there (your emotional instability and your self-injury issues) and then tell them that you want to get counseling to help yourself get better.
The counseling course will take several weeks, if not several months. The counselor will talk to you and after the initial consult, he or she might decide that you need some personality testing to determine if you're suffering from a mental illness other than depression.
You will need to go to your sessions regularly and habitually. Only you can help yourself at this point. The counselors are there only to point the way to emotional and psychological healing.
Good luck.
2007-03-16 08:06:11 · answer #5 · answered by Brutally Honest 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just remember that everything you say to a counselor is confidential, unless you plan on harming yourself or others. If you feel you need help before you do something rash, you should go. You could go and say that you are not feeling right about yourself. They will ask the questions and find out a method of improvement. Don't worry, this won't hurt you. Just think of it as improving yourself -- healing. You certainly need to get it checked out. There are many people out in this world that are just like you, you are not alone. When you go see a counselor, he or she will know exactly what to do. You will begin to feel like a new person almost immediately.
2007-03-17 04:06:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You must face up and let them help you. Describe your symptoms they will know what to do as they have trained for years to know. As for the tests they will only help you. Do not be afraid to tell them because you fear what they might do all the tests have been looked over and examined so they know they work. Good luck book your appointment now!
2007-03-16 08:05:23 · answer #7 · answered by Dr Sherior 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you have been depressed for four years and you are self-harming, you definitely need to see a mental health professional. The self-harming behaviors can mess up your whole life. Get help now.
2007-03-16 08:06:23 · answer #8 · answered by reid 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually you can tell them just that. Let them decide what testing you need based on an honest disclosure of your problems.
2007-03-16 08:04:50 · answer #9 · answered by Phartzalot 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go you need help.
2007-03-16 08:03:35 · answer #10 · answered by stick man 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋