Would seeing a psychologist be the best option?

Question

My life has always pretty much sucked. From the time I was young till about now, the thought of me just wanting to die has come to mind a lot. I've always been extremely lonely & have had problems within my family & never really felt the love from them either. It has affected me a lot. In the past, I was also pretty physically abused often. I can't really say I've ever felt truly happy in life & am usually never in too good of a mood. I personally really dislike myself & consider everything to be hopeless & view myself as being worthless. I'm extremely emotional & cry for pretty much everything & am offended very easily & when it comes down to thinking about my life, I only want to cry even more. I hate feeling this way, I mean it's obviously not a good way to live life. & so, I've always considered seeing a psychologist, but at the same time have always doubted whether these sorts of problems & feelings would better if I saw a psychologist, so what are your opinions? Thanks in advance

Answer 1

A psychologist would probably be a good move for you, but just like any other professional, psychologists differ, and some are much better than others. You may possibly do better with a psychiatrist, because you may need anti-depressant meds at first, and psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medications, whereas psychologists can't. You sound quite depressed, but you may just be a very sensitive person who has had a hard time.

In any event, it will definitely help you to talk to somebody. I don't know how old you are, but if you are school age, you could start with a school counselor, just to ask for a recommendation. Also, check your local county clinic; women's free clinic or anything like that for recommendations-they are good sources of information.

Just searching for help will make you feel proactive and that you are at least trying to get yourself out of the eternal funk you are in. Get out and walk, talk to someone and check out all the contacts that you can find to help yourself. It beats sitting around crying all day and you already know that is not a solution, so you've made a big first step, already.

Answer 2

You sound like you really want someone to talk to. A psychologist would be a great place to start. To echo the others, psychiatrists prescibe meds, psychologists don't. The most important thing is finding a psychologist that is the right fit for you. However, that isn't as hard as it sounds. You'll know after the first visit if the person sitting across from you is someone you are comfortable with or not. I'll admit, I am extremely biased toward psychologist because I know from experience that they can help you handle anything you can throw at them. You may think that the other person hasn't dealt with someone like you - but remember just because they haven't dealt with your particular problem, doesn't mean they can't help - they really can. After all, what is the worst that can happen? You lose some money. What is the best that can happen? You save your own life. Why not take a chance and talk to someone who cares and is trained to help others in your situation?

Answer 3

Yes, those are all good reasons to see a psychologist or therapist.

Will your problems get better if you see a psychologist? The answer to that is highly dependent on you and how hard you are willing to work to make the changes you will need to make in your life. A good psychologist will help you to see the areas where you can make changes. But it will be up to you to actually make those changes.

Note: Nothing is incorrect about psychologists. Psychologists cannot prescribe medication. They help others through talk therapy. Psychiatrists are the ones who prescribe medication. So unless you see a psychiatrist, you don't have to worry about being put on meds.

Answer 4

Hey, going to therapy is very healthy. If even just to have somebody you can sit down with and talk to about it all. You may be offered antidepressants to help you cope during this time. It's a process... and it's hard work, but it can only get better. You'll talk, reflect, learn to deal with it all. And the best part is it's never too late to change your life. But keep in mind when looking for a psychologist, just like any other healthcare professional, you may have to see a few before you find one that you're comfortable with.

Answer 5

I understand how you feel. I had an unhappy childhood and then things went down hill from there. You could be describing exactly how I used to feel. Finding the right counselor would probably help but they can only guide you. Ultimately you are responsible for your own life and happiness (despite all the negatives around you). You might not be able to control what happens to you but you can control how you respond to it.

You have far more power than you realize and a change of attitude from negative (I'm sorry but everything you say about yourself is negative) to positive would make a huge difference.

The following links have some useful advice:

Answer 6

Do you know what a psychologist will do?
Most likely put you on meds. I think those mask the problem and not help it. From your other question I read, you are still young. People tell you that high school is the best time of your life. They are wrong. When you get out and go to college, you will find out more of what you are and what you are meant to do. Media portrays everyone as happy, lively people but most people do have a void in their lives one way or another.

I find that depressed people are usually people who think too deeply. The others are "blindly" happy. Go to school. Take some art classes... or some lit classes.. or music classes and you will find someone who identifies with you. I have gone to college for 8 years! and have found those type of people to be the most understanding and in more depth.

That's another thing.. don't rush your life. People are always telling you to plan for this and plan for that.. hurry up and get out of college to move on. No way.. once you get out of college, you are a worker bee most likely. Enjoy college and take your time.

Answer 7

I think that seeing a therapist of some kind would be helpful, whether it is a psychiatrist, social worker or psychologist. You also need to believe that there is "a professional" than can help you to take a look at what you are feeling.

Answer 8

a physiologist would probably love to see you. such problems aren't so hard to fix. the attitude of course. you could see one. try self-psychology first. work on personal development and study many arts. you don't need a psychologist. the best way anyway is to not have someone else to tell you life is grand, but to find out and experience it yourself. it makes all the bad times a dot on the screen.

Answer 9

Hi there sweetie, sounds like you have had a terrible trot. i really feel for you. I really congratulate you for your bravery to share and express your situation. Let me tell you that you are not worthless you are very brave to have fought through !!!, however i believe some of the hurt and abuse you have encountered is to much for you to work through on your own. you deserve support and care and a trained professional such as a psychologist would be an excellent option for you as they are professionally trained to help you work through your issues. You have been to through to much to deal with this on your own so take advantage of the support and understanding of a psychologist. you deserve it and owe it to yourself. I wish you the very best of luck

Answer 10

Yes. Nothing wrong with seeking a psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist or counselor.