My boyfriend did some searching around town, and he has found a counsellor that I can talk to for free. Not a very good one, but it's a start, right? And I don't have to pay, which is key. My problem is that I have never gone to a counsellor before, and I don't know what to do. i mean, I feel pretty good right now, although I know that I will have lows in the future, because that's just how I am, working in cycles. So what if I'm feeling bad, then I make an appointment, but by the time the appointment comes I'm feeling good again? What am I supposed to talk about then? This post sounds really dumb, I know, but I'm really nervous about all this, and I'd feel so stupid to go in and waste their time by feeling good at the wrong time, if that makes any sense at all. I really need some advice on this! Thanks everyone

Fiona

(oops, spelled my topic wrong and can't change it!!)

[This message has been edited by fiona (edited 10-18-2001).]

Hi Fiona,

Your postdid not sound dumb at all. I remember feeling exactly the same way before I saw a councillor. Just be yourself and tell them about your history this will take some time anyway. Then if you feel comfortable keep talking about whatever you feel you want to talk about. The councillor's job is to make you feel at ease so tell them you are nervous and not sure what to do or say and they will help guide you. It is easier than you think. Give it a go and let me know how it goes.
Mel

hey fiona! your questions sound EXACTLY like my questions were before I went to a therpaist for the first time. I'm incredibly glad that you're going too. So listen, it might be scary but go to this person thinking that he or she is going to help you. That they want to help you, otherwise they would not be doing their job, especially for free. And sometimes you do feel like everyhting is good the second you get to the therapist. It's happened to me numerous times. The reason is because we never give time for ourselves so when we finally have some time to think about ourselves, it feels great, like nothing else matters. Maybe you should write down the way you feel now, before you go, or at times when you feel really bad, and then showb them to the person. That way you'll have the truth right there. Also, be careful because your ED might suddenly pop up and say that you don't want help. but you do!! Keep telling yourself that!I hope everyhting goes wonderfully, please keep us posted as to what happens!
Lots of luv and luck!
Rachel

Hey!

I thought I was wasting her time. That was my previous consellor who I stopped going to. I am now seeing another...she is a member of staff at school....anyway...I don't know if I am doing the right thing. I don't get anything out of it but most people do.
If u don't 'click' right away...or don't like it...it's your decision at the end of the day.

Please update us all and tell us how it goes/went!!
CarolineX

Fiona,
there are FREE therapy sessions out there where you are in a group of people. This way you dont feel as nervous. people speak up normally and you learn with time to do the same,but in the mean time you sit there and listen and say yeah thats what is wrong with me too. Good luck. keep us posted.

Wow, thanks for all the feedback everyone! I'm so happy to know that other people feel like I do about this. I always kinda assumed that therapy was for people who ALWAYS felt bad, they were the ones who need help. I'm just some girl who gets down sometimes, but I can always battle my way out for brief happy periods between episodes of depression. I'm not going to go in just yet . . . I'm debating on whether or not to wait until I feel bad again. Maybe it'll be easier to make an appointment when I feel like I need it, and then I'm stuck going no matter how my mood turns. What do you think - go now or am I okay to wait a while? I'm interested in that group therapy idea, except I'm really easily triggered. If there were skinny girls there, I would feel like such a tank and I wouldn't be able to cope. Anyway, enough of this babbling post . . . I'll post again about this when I actually go in. Thanks again!

Fiona

Hi Fiona. I definatly think you should go now. The longer you put it off, the worse off you will get. Make an appointment now, even if you are feeling good. You don't have to be feeling bad to need to go to see someone about it, you can still talk about the times you are feeling bad amoung other things. Good luck with the group therapy, if you decide to go. Try not to compare yourself to the others there and please tell us how it went for you.

-Ashlee

hey fiona, I'm def gonna have to agree with Ashlee. How bout trying to go now? Do it for us http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif
lots of luv and luck,
Rachel