Can anyone point me to some good self-help materials? All the online CBT courses and stuff that I have looked at seem very patronising. I'm awaiting a referral to a psychiatrist but I want to start helping myself right now. I am so sick of being so deeply unhappy.
Hi Danny have youn tried to see a therapist while waiting for your refferal? I can't tell you how much one on one counseling - discussing your issues with someone who you don't know can help you. Some of the self help material is written by people who are book smart but haven't been in trenches feeling the way you do. If you can't see someone right away TALK, but becareful who you talk to. Some peoplke have NOOOOO clue. I woirk with NAMI...National Alliance Mental illness trying to reduce the stigma from ignorant people who don't understand mental illness,
The only therapy I have available to me in the mean time is the university councillor. But I've seen her before and she is very patronising. I don't think she's qualified to deal with actual mental health issues, but rather just general stress of uni, etc. My problem with talking is that I don't know how to open a conversation with someone about how I feel. I'm not even entirely sure how I would put it into words. I'm hoping that seeing a psychiatrist will be helpful because they'll be asking the questions and pulling out the threads rather than me trying to put it into words myself.
Dannyy - A true mental health therapist will ask you the correct questions to get to open up and figure out why and what you are feeling.
The Phyciatrist - Will give you some time as he diagnoses you. Then it's usually 1 or 2 times a month for short visits until you get on the correct meds that work. Don't get discouraged as it's trial and error. Dofferent mds work for different people and it takes up to 3 months to see if the meds presdcribed are the correct ones for you...BUT::
Theshould be able to recommend a counselor that will work for you. You an usually tell quickly if you've made a connection that will work for you.
In the mean time keep yourself busy escersize even walking is good.and EAT RIGHT>
Hang in there s nothing worthwhile is easy my friend