Just out of curiosity, how many people out there feel weird about calling their therapists when they feel "at risk", or just upset?? Mine always tells me to call her if I feel too upset, but I always just feel too stupid or weird about it. Just wondering how many other people feel that way too.

Hi Curls,
I concur! I feel the same way. It is rare for me to call or ask for extra sessions even if I need them. For me it's a denial thing--I don't want to be needy or sick or dependent on anyone so I just keep telling myself I'm okay. I have seen the same person for 10 years and she has seen me through half a dozen episodes, yet I still have a problem calling. Go figure! What makes it seem weird to you? Also, do you have friends or family you can call when you need help?
Schragie

Thanks, schragie, for responding so quickly! I guess it just seems weird because, well, she has her own life too, her own family, her own problems. I just feel like such a burden, ya know? As far as having family and friends i can call... well, i could call them, i just dont. I don't really know why. I think i probably used to and ended up getting shot down, so now i just don't. I guess, basically it's all what you said about not wanting to be so needy and seemingly dependent.

Yes, I understand what you mean about your therapist having her own life, family, problems, etc....but do remember that she is a therapist and part of her job is to be there for her patients. It's like medical doctors being on call.

By the way, I am very good at NOT practicing what I preach. I can't tell you how many times I've been up in the middle of the night feeling bad and I don't want to wake my sleeping husband or call a friend because it would disturb them.

My dog, however, gives me much comfort and he doesn't mind being woken up at all. I think the answer to everything is to have a cuddly dog.

Schragie
P.S. Thank heavens for these boards!

Just out of curiosity, how many people out there feel weird about calling their therapists when they feel "at risk", or just upset?? Mine always tells me to call her if I feel too upset, but I always just feel too stupid or weird about it. Just wondering how many other people feel that way too.
[FONT=Trebuchet MS]Great question! I do. She, like yours, encourages me to call her after she finds out I've weathered a particularly harsh battle alone, but it rarely occurs to me to do so. Guess I'm so accustomed to feeling on my own that it seems strange to rely on another that way, especially when in the trough or peak of an episode.