and, though it was closed, i now know the opening hours. I am really going to try and go tomorrow morning and stop putting it off. Maybe this is not much progress, but i thought i would give a mini-update. :wave:

James.

and, though it was closed, i now know the opening hours. I am really going to try and go tomorrow morning and stop putting it off. Maybe this is not much progress, but i thought i would give a mini-update. :wave:

James.

Hi James :wave:

I am very proud of you that is a very big first step. Let us know how it goes in the morning.

Sam :wave:

Thankyou Sam. :)

Hey, even little steps count as progress. Hey, free counselling, good stuff. You might also be able to phone to make an appointment. Good luck!

So i did go today and i was lucky to get the last available appointment this week, which was today at lunchtime. It was a lot easier than i had feared and the counsellor didn't make it difficult and i didn't feel like she was trying to catch me out, which i had kind of feared. We talked for about half an hour and i tried to be as honest as i could be. She recommended that i go to see my doctor, and she talked about anti-depressants, though not being a doctor she obviously couldn't say if she thought i needed them, but that was the impression she gave.

She told me she knew my GP and he was a nice bloke. I went to book an appointment to see him but i have to see a different one if i am to see someone this week. it's my last week before i go home (about 3 1/2 hours away) for easter, so I needed something this week. I would rather see the first one, but that can't be helped.

I have also been put on the waiting list for weekly counselling, which will start in spetember, as i will be going home over the summer. I am a bit disappointed about the wait, but she said if i feel the need, i can book one-off appointments in the mean time. I also got pamphlets on depression, anxiety etc. I am also going to go on a course about dealing with anxiety and exam stress at the end of next month.

It's strange that she made me realise a couple of things about myself and what has been going on even in this brief session.

If there is anyone in the position to take advantage of a counselling service, and you think it may help you, then go for it! It's not as uncomfortable as i had convinced myself it would be. There being a waiting list made me realise that people do go and get help, and you don't have to do it alone.

So on friday it is off to the GP.

Good for you -- that was a big step and a very healthy thing to do for yourself!

Hi James :wave:

Wow, it seems they have a lot of things to offer that you are taking advantage of. I am glad you liked the counselor that is important. I am so proud of you. Let us know how it goes with the GP on Friday.

Best wishes,
Sam :)

Good for you!! And you're paying for the service with your tuition so you may as well utilize it, right?!

I hope it provides you with a little comfort.

I went to counselling at my college and they were all REALLY nice - the office staff and counsellors alike. Its a city college and was dreading going, but they were different than the other parts of the school admin - very friendly, kind etc.

I am wanting to start counseling. Including CBT.

Does anyone else think that the counselor will think that what the problems in our lives are stupid? I feel kinda crappy about talking about my strange problems...

I'm proud of you for talking to a councilor! Taking that first step is hard, and I have to admit I haven't done it yet. Of course, I'm an "oldie" and don't go to college, so I would have to find a therapist that my insurance will cover. I guess I'm lazy because I haven't done it. Also a little scared. As far as a councilor thinking your stories are weird...........I seriously doubt it. I think they've heard it all. Good luck to you!

Thanks guys. I woke up this morning feeling better than i have done for a while, knowing i had done something about my problems.

The first step is difficult but i am glad i made it. SF, i am sure they would be very understanding about your problems whatever their nature. The woman i saw was understanding and would even explain everything she was doing to put me at ease, for example with the few notes she took and the confidentiality policy.

Sam, you are right, they do offer a lot here and i am going to try and take advantage of as much as i can. I put off doing this for a long while, and i had all the facilities right there for me so it is understandable if you haven't done it yet, Soibahn. :)

veggie, that's exactly how i found all the staff too from as soon as i went in, and it makes it all so much easier. :)

Thankyou again everyone for the support and good luck to you all. I hope things work out for you all, as you all deserve it. :wave:

how does that counseling work? Is it dialect CBT or what?

Im glad you got the strength to go...

Thanks SF. I don't know what you mean by dialect CBT?

congrats james, its always nice when u finally do something about it isnt it! :) i used to get that feeling when i went to counselling i wish i could still go or at least find one that speaks english!!! good luck with it

Brett