LeeLee3
05-22-2006, 11:15 PM
We were discussing mental illness in one of my classes, and we were told that people can voluntarily admit themselves to a hospital if they feel that they are a threat to themselves or others. I've been dealing with what I think may be depression or mental illness on and off for a few years. I'm not sure if it's normal - our professor said that 7 out of 10 people suffer from some kind of mental illness, but most don't have the debilitating type of illness. I go through periods of time where I basically shut down and feel completely worthless. I got a new job, and felt like it would be a great opportunity to get experience while going to school and make some money. I come to find out that it wasn't nearly the amount of hours and salary that I thought it would be. I quit my last job to do this because he made it sound from the interview that it would be much better. This, and the fact that I'm not doing well in my classes and that I'm in a city where I still know virtually no one have me very upset.
I feel so let down by life - nothing seems to go right for me at all. I'm afraid I may eventually do something if I'm alone (which I am a lot of the time) and don't feel better. I want to know if anyone has gone as far as checking themselves into a hospital? I did talk to my parents today and gave them hints that I am doing poorly, but they did not take them seriously. We have had recent suicides in the family, and alcoholism. I'm not sure I would really go through with suicide because I would be afraid of it not working - so, I'm not threatening suicide, but I also can't help but wonder if it is something I would do if I got deeper into this state. Which is why I'm thinking about the hospital. I have nowhere I can go up here when I feel depressed. The search that I did for local mental hospitals only brought up those that don't exist any more - I guess they may be called psychiatric hospitals now? I don't want it to be on my record that I admitted myself to a hospital, but I also read something about the records being expunged. i think that is if you are declared mentally incompetent by the court and have the choice to volunatary admit yourself, though - your court record is erased if you agree to go. I'm also not sure what they would do - if they'd call my family or give me medication. I have talked to a psychologist before which I quit after two sessions because I felt that it wasn't helping.
I feel so let down by life - nothing seems to go right for me at all. I'm afraid I may eventually do something if I'm alone (which I am a lot of the time) and don't feel better. I want to know if anyone has gone as far as checking themselves into a hospital? I did talk to my parents today and gave them hints that I am doing poorly, but they did not take them seriously. We have had recent suicides in the family, and alcoholism. I'm not sure I would really go through with suicide because I would be afraid of it not working - so, I'm not threatening suicide, but I also can't help but wonder if it is something I would do if I got deeper into this state. Which is why I'm thinking about the hospital. I have nowhere I can go up here when I feel depressed. The search that I did for local mental hospitals only brought up those that don't exist any more - I guess they may be called psychiatric hospitals now? I don't want it to be on my record that I admitted myself to a hospital, but I also read something about the records being expunged. i think that is if you are declared mentally incompetent by the court and have the choice to volunatary admit yourself, though - your court record is erased if you agree to go. I'm also not sure what they would do - if they'd call my family or give me medication. I have talked to a psychologist before which I quit after two sessions because I felt that it wasn't helping.
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kehorner
05-23-2006, 12:08 AM
Pretty much if you end up in the hospital, they're probably going to put you on medication (probably an antidepressant). You might try seeing a psychiatrist and also a therapist who will work together with you. Sometimes it can take a few tries to find a therapist that works for you. Also, any treatment can take some time to work. But if you know that you are going downhill right now, it's much better to get treatment on an outpatient basis if you can, rather than be in the hospital. And, if you are established with a psychiatrist and worsen, they can help you get the help that you need. The best thing to do, though, is to get help as soon as possible, and not wait until you get so bad that you need to go into the hospital.
strongernow
05-23-2006, 12:16 AM
Be very careful who you choose as a therapist and psychiatrist. Your psychiatrist needs to be board certified. Do a google search for ABPN for a list of board certified psychiatrists in your area - this way you know that you will get good help. Make sure your therapists believe in you and what you say. Also make sure that they do not gaslight or try to brainwash you and make you feel something that you are not - as what happened to me. Also I believe that well trained cognitive and behavior therapists are sometimes very good considering that they will listen to you and take your concerns seriously and see that you get positive results.
LeeLee3
05-23-2006, 01:49 PM
I brought up my symptoms to my regular physician at an annual appt. about 2 years ago - this was the first time I remember being in a really poor mental state. He presribed Citalopram (generic of Celexa). It really put me in a fog. I literally had to lay in bed for two days. I couldn't drive, I could barely eat. It was a waste of money because they wouldn't take the remainder of the medicine back - I just threw it out because I could not take anymore of it.
Would a behavioral/cognitive psychiatrist do more than just prescribe drugs? maybe I need a mix of psychologist/psychiatrist, or maybe this is something I can get myself out of. I think part of it is hormonal (PMS) and circumstances -I get myself into these bad spells, and get myself out. This one now is my worst one yet, though, and I'm afraid of reaching my limitations. I'm not working - I have insurance, but hesitate to spend money if it won't help like these past times. I basically just need a place to go when I reach the point that I can no longer take it.
Would a behavioral/cognitive psychiatrist do more than just prescribe drugs? maybe I need a mix of psychologist/psychiatrist, or maybe this is something I can get myself out of. I think part of it is hormonal (PMS) and circumstances -I get myself into these bad spells, and get myself out. This one now is my worst one yet, though, and I'm afraid of reaching my limitations. I'm not working - I have insurance, but hesitate to spend money if it won't help like these past times. I basically just need a place to go when I reach the point that I can no longer take it.
strongernow
05-23-2006, 03:34 PM
Hey LeeLee - Yes a therapist who does behavior or cognitive modification will sit down with you and listen to your concerns and then help you modify/alter the thoughts that are creating your bad mood in a very respectful way and positive way. Be sure to ask each therapist that you interview - What is your theoretical orientation? If they get defensive and irate then skip on them. Each therapy session should be structured and the therapist will solicit feedback from you at the end of the session, this feedback helps the therapist improve. They will also help you plan out steps to meet your goals and encourage you and provide empathy and they should teach you about positive reinforcement. If the therapist does not do that then there is something wrong and you should leave if you feel it is not helping. I would stay clear away from a therapist who practices in the person centered or psychodynamic approach because nothing usually gets accomplished with those approaches. LeeLee there are plenty of self help books that could help you - LLyanla, Dr. Phil, Aaron Beck,Judith Beck, and Norman Vincent Peal are good authors.
LeeLee3
05-23-2006, 04:26 PM
I don't want to sound rude because I know you're trying to help, but I don't think any book can help me at this point. I don't even think talking to a therapist can help me. I don't have friends, I don't have a boyfriend, I don't have a job. Nothing they say can change that. My life is just getting worse and worse, and there is no way to put that into perspective. I did read a religious book about self-help that was in my last employer's office. It discussed what the author felt Heaven would be like, and if anything, it pushed me more toward suicide than self-help. If there is even a chance that I could have that, then I would rather take it than live this life.
LeeLee3
05-23-2006, 04:47 PM
I also wanted to know: I know some doctors can legally give terminally ill patients drugs to commit suicide. Can depression be considered a terminal illness? I don't know if I ever can or will commit suicide - I know that now it is not an option because I am afraid that if I take pills, it may not even work - I don't want to take that risk. I think that it should be an option for everyone, though - I think there should be a safe and painless way. Do you think that psychiatrists would be able to tell me if I asked and promised not to hold them liable?
kehorner
05-23-2006, 06:41 PM
There are lots of different antidepressants, and they all work in slightly different ways with different side effects. A good doctor will work with you to find a medication that is effective with minimal side effects. Many psychiatrists have samples that they can give you to find out if the pills have any bad side effects before you buy them. Or you could have the doctor prescribe only a few to see how they work before getting a month's supply.
And no, depression is not considered a terminal illness. And assisted suicide is still illegal in most states anyway. You should really try to find a psychiatrist or psychologist, though.
And no, depression is not considered a terminal illness. And assisted suicide is still illegal in most states anyway. You should really try to find a psychiatrist or psychologist, though.
strongernow
05-23-2006, 07:51 PM
Cognitive and Behavior modification is much more complex than just talking. Behavior analysis is now considered a science because it creates results unlike talk therapy where you just talk. Thoughts and behaviors are measured which could help you see if the treatment is helping you or not. Do some research on the net about that. Talk therapy approaches like person centered and pyschodynamic which in my opinion do not work and is shown to just make clients more frustrated. Look for some positive self affirmation CDs to listen to everyday that could help.
galinaqt
05-23-2006, 10:52 PM
Therapist can very well fool you on the interview, telling you what you want to hear or just be extremly pushy and agressive to have you as a customer, it is alone can make one sick. I would really find out from other sources if he really uses that technices (ask primary care to start with) before even contacting the person.
strongernow
05-23-2006, 10:57 PM
Galinaqt is correct some will be overly agreeable and flattering then once you get hooked with them they start to use you as an emotional punching bag which is what I experienced with most of my therapists. First read up and learn about the techniques and procedures counselors should use and make sure you know how to report a therapist in case he/she starts trying to confuse you and mess you up even more.
galinaqt
05-25-2006, 11:51 AM
I do not understand how it is normal for person who is a doctor intentionally hurt a person. Would you imagine a dentist screw your tooth 'cause he was in a bad mood?
Something very wrong with that picture.
Something very wrong with that picture.
strongernow
05-25-2006, 07:36 PM
lol that is an excellent example.
strongernow
05-25-2006, 11:48 PM
LeeLee I do not have a lot of money either. If you check into a hospital they may make you take anti-depressants or anti-psychotics. The best suggestions are too read up on all the psychology self help books (from college library or library) and get some feel good self affirmation cds. That is what I had to do and is so much cheaper and will probably not cause damage like some counselors could do.