I'm 18, college freshman with avoidance personality disorder. I'm much better at talking to people than a few years ago, but I still constantly feel worthless, "not good enough" and extremely self-conscious at times. I am at an art college, and I know I'm talented, and could go far with this, but I feel... almost like I don't care. That there are too many people who would outshine me, so why bother. I have a hard time making friends, and even more of a hard time keeping them because I can get either really closed off or really clingy. I am embarassed of myself and I want this to change so badly. I don't know how to do this by myself anymore, so I think I should see someone. What sort of "someone" should I be seeing for these problems?
2007-10-09 16:14:18 · 17 answers · asked by avacado pie 4 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I don't think it's a matter or which one you see but that you find someone that you trust and value their opinion. Not everyone can help you so you may have to talk to several different people until you find someone that offers advice that agrees with you. Quick story about high school oh so long ago. I ran with a very affluent group of kids, two more than others. We went into the girl's room and there was a young lady from the "other side of the tracks". She was wearing a very outdated awful organdy puffy dress but was obviously very proud of it. My friends made fun of her and made her cry. I thought it was a lousy thing to do to her and decided they weren't the type of friends I wanted. I started running around with some other kids, less up the social scale but pretty nice and then all kinds of kids. It was fun to know everyone and I found out some of the "less desirable kids" were actually much nicer than my rich friends. I got into trouble-all of my own doing-and HAD to see a pysch. Her advice was that I should have kept my mouth shut and run with the rich kids. I, at about 14, was forced to tell her that she didn't have what it took to advise me. Gist of story. Look them over. Everyone has there ideas and their own set of problems they bring with them and their advice is tempered by their experience with the world. Not everyone is Dr. Phil. Since you are very sensitive and realize you need help, don't be afraid to change to different people until you find someone that has the values you respect and gives you advice that you feel is helpful. Everyone has problems and it takes a pretty smart person to realize that you need to talk your problems over and get advice. I would talk to several people and weigh what advice I was given and take that part that is helpful. And do remember everyone is introverted and shy until they start talking. Once you start, you get over it. Just keep talking and it will get easier and easier. There is an art to conversation and knowing the right thing to say. And once you feel comfortable talking to people, you will find people that like you for exactly who you are. Join clubs or sports that you like and you will find friends. Please always remember that everyone is different and it is the differences in people that make the world the marvelous place it is. You sound like you just need some confidence and to realize that you are OK. There are always people that are better at something than you and there are people that are worse at something than you and tomorrow it could be different. It's just the way it is. My dad was a baseball player and I found an old fan letter on ebay. He kinda summedit up in the letter. It doesn't matter if you lose, it just matters that you played the best you could. Lots of luck and success with that art. . .
2007-10-09 16:37:07 · answer #1 · answered by towanda 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
A psychiatrist has an M.D. and usually just prescribes medication. They usually work with the therapist or counselor to decide what is the best pharmaceutical treatment if any is needed. Several people can provide "therapy". You can see a psychologist, social worker, counselor, etc. Each person has training in certain areas. In general though, the psychologist will focus on theory and research. The social worker will look at systems and your environment. A counselor may look at all of that. Each person will have their own method regardless of their degree. You really just have to find someone that you feel comfortable with and trust, which could take some time. Good luck and hang in there!
2007-10-09 16:27:02 · answer #2 · answered by cntrygirl_78 2 · 3⤊ 2⤋
To answer your first question the difference between them is that a psychiatrist can prescribe medicine. And the other two cannot. A counselor and a therapist both are people who are very well trained meaning they got their masters in counseling. They are people who you can talk openly about anything, mainly this kind of stuff.
What I would do if I was in your situation, I would go see a psychiatrist get your medicine they give you. And them meet regularly with a counselor to better yourself in situations.
Good luck!!
2007-10-09 16:21:08 · answer #3 · answered by Jen 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well, because you are a college student, I would suggest, if your school has a psychology department, seeing if one of the psychologists that teaches would be willing to see you as a patient. I saw a psychologist at my school for counseling(not while I was taking a class from him). A psychiatrist mainly concentrates on treating psychological problems with drugs, and a medication might help you too, but a psychologist might be a good starting point.
2007-10-09 16:19:46 · answer #4 · answered by nursekuba 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You can get into counseling and speak to a therapist one to one. It takes time to develop a rapport with someone , however, it is worth it .
If you are showing signs of depression, or anxiety the therapist can make a referral to a psychiatrist to evaluate you for medication.
These professionals often will work together to provide the best treatment possible for the individual.
2007-10-09 16:46:26 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Anyone can be a counsellor, but the better ones have usually done courses. In New York, anyone can claim to be a therapist, but a psychiatrist has done several years of medical training, followed by years of specialist training. See the intro section, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris Also see pages 38, and 9.
2007-10-09 16:30:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
In your case you should not see a psychiatrist. Pick someone you like. I have always liked therapists best. College students should choose someone on campus.
2007-10-10 03:27:07 · answer #7 · answered by Susas 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've seen several counselor, pschys...
Psychiatrist ~ Are for meds
Counselors and Psychologist ~ Are to talk
I would see at Psych...who knows you may need something right now.
The way I feel about myself...I feel I lack a chemical in my brain that tells me "I'm happy....hell I could have to much or to little...(its heriditary) sometimes I get to a point where I can't deal ...NO MORE....and I know I NEED professional help!
Call a psych...honestly..I've been thinking about it myself..its just you got to stay commited as well as the doc. You really have to apply yourself to get better..
GOOD LUCK!
No one said it would be easy! (Hell thats what I fear) ~Why can't it be easy to feel the way you wan't to? ~
Thats a question I need to ask my psych!
2007-10-09 16:38:23 · answer #8 · answered by Kendra420 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A psychiatrist prescribes medicine.
A counselor is there just to talk
A therapist is "trained in the use of psychological methods for helping patients overcome psychological problems."
2007-10-09 16:18:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
The first step is thinking you want to see someone... seeing any would be helpful. If you think it is something you need medication for you have to see a medical doctor. Otherwise just taking to someone will help!
2007-10-09 16:19:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋