So I've posted a few times over the last couple of years. My life hasn't changed much. I mean, I've had a lot change in my life, from a new job, moving, my wife and I have had another baby and we are expecting again in January. A lot of things to be happy and excited about, but the same obsessive thoughts run through my mind daily. The same health issues, the same mental breakdowns and panic attacks. My life has changed a lot, but hasn't changed much at all at the same time. I recently started doing intermittent fasting and it has helped me lose 30lbs. I eat healthier and drink more water. This has really helped with my stomach issues that I have been struggling with since I was 16yrs old. But the anxiety, panic attacks, and depression are still there and they haven't slowed down at all. 8 years of constant struggle with my own mind and I don't know why. Thankfully I scheduled an appointment with a therapist that has a successful history of working with college students and young adults. I'm paying out of pocket for this visit and I haven't told my primary doctor yet (Dr appointment first week of September, therapist appointment on the 25th of September) so i will have time to tell my doctor about the app and hopefully she is encouraging. But since this is my first ever visit to a therapist of any kind, does anyone know how the process is? Is it helpful? Do the techniques work? And what's the big difference between me going to a therapist instead of a psychiatrist or any other mental heakth professional?
Hi there,
I am sure your doc will be glad you are seeking help for your problems.
For mental health help there are three types of professinal you could go to: a psychiatrist, psychologist or a therapist. In my experience a psychiatrist is concerned with giving you the right medication, and a psychologist or therapist is concerned with helping you learn ways to deal with your emotional problems. The difference between these last two seems to be that a psychologist has a degree is psychology and can make diagnoses, whereas a therapist could have a range of qualifications and may not be able to diagnose. Therapists can be equally helpful as psychologists if you click with them and their style of working.
Depending on what sort of therapist you are seeing, the process might be a bit different. It is also different for each person so don't worry about doing or saying something wrong. The therapist will most likely start by asking what you need help with, what issue(s) you want to focus on together. They might ask for a history of your problems and life situation and will discuss with you a little about how the therapy will work. In each session you will either talk about whatever you need to get off your chest or focus on a predetermined topic. You may learn techniques for calming down or be given handouts to read or exercises to fill out inbetween sessions if it is CBT. Some therapists use light hypnotherapy in their sessions if you consent to this.
Some techniques work for some people, and not others. CBT is the goldv standard for anxiety and depression, but it doesn't work for everyone. The most important thing to realise is that you get out of therapy what you put it. If you are determined to turn things around for yourself then any type of therapy could help you start that process.
Thank you for the information. This is the first time I have ever seen any mental health professional and I hope it helps me because I am tired of living this way. I'm giving it 100% and am optimistic that the outcome will be rewarding. Thanks again.