I just wondered if anybody else wants to stand up and be counted? Specifically, I want to hear stories with happy endings just to re-assure me I'm doing the right thing!

A childhood in a religious cult (combined with a year of living on my own recently) sent to me scuttling off to the doctors when I was at a particulaly low ebb last year. Referred to a therapist, I've been learning to face my own isolationist demons and to figure out just how they've been hanging on to the tassles of what's left of my mind.

It's been an interesting (although not always pretty) journey, and I've realised just how big a millstone I've been carrying for the last 40 years. Liberating is one way of describing it!


Anybody else?

tim

Well done Timbo, facing one's demons is no easy task.
I too had therapy years ago, (I would be happy to discuss my personal experiences with you in private, if you so wish) and in fact I was so inspired I eventually trained to become one.
Who knows which way is forward? One thing for sure, you will be stronger for it, and more self-aware at the very least, and more able to deal with any new demons (or old ones) that rear their ugly snouts in the future.
Just want to congratulate you on taking such a big scary step (at least it was for me!!), let alone 'sharing' it with the rest of us (counsellor-speak! ) and wish you well on your difficult-at-times-but-liberating journey.

Thank you RG.

I have to confess that I figured if anyone would contribute to this thread, it would be you!

I know that you've been both on the receiving and giving ends of therapy, and have seen the benefits available.

So.....any other screwballs out there?

tim

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i wonder if any of the girls i try chat to need a shrink, oh btw, i dont mean on here

Ok, while I can accept that it is a positive move that you are going to therapy, I have to question why you would admit this on a dating site? I mean, while most attitudes will be enlightend, there will always be someone who may think you are nuts, and need mental help.

While I applaud you decision for your own mental health, I have got to ask...why announce it on here?

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I saw one about 8 years ago when I was suffering from depression (thats clinical depression, not the can't-be-fucked-to-get-out-of-bed-and-roll-into-work fever that is sweeping the nation at the moment). It was one-to-one counselling over 5 sessions or so.

Hand on heart I can't say it really did me any good. What I was suffering from was more a product of my lifestyle at the time, rather than some childhood trauma from when I was touched up by the dentist while I was under, or something. Maybe it was the counsellor, I don't know, but I was left with the impression that if I didn't fit their criteria or have some kind of breakdown right there during the session then there was very little they could do for me. In any event, I'm always wary of receiving help from someone who has no vested interest in my welfare. To put things into perspective; my GP was far better at the talky stuff than the so-called counsellor (and far less aloof in his approach too).

Your mileage may vary, obviosly Timbo. But for your own sake don't look at it as some sort of panacea. Simple stuff like a change in your diet or a bit more exercise can work wonders for your mental health (I'm not trying to imply anything here, but that was the route I took and it certainly worked for me).

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Chikhai - I am *not* going to put on my therapists hat here!
But I did just want to say to you that yes there are some crap counsellors out there unfortunately. And there are several 'kinds' of therapy - going back to your childhood when the dentist touched you up etc. is approached in a very, very, very different way to lets say a current debt problem, or recent bereavement etc. Unfortunately, some counsellors have one train of thought when you mention a 'key word' that they 'know how to fix'.
The very first counsellor I ever saw pushed a box of tissues at me before I opened my mouth - which made me laugh, so I confused the poor girl, as she expected me to pour out my heart and have a good cry!
You are absolutely right, sometimes all it takes is to re-focus and change daily habits (eating, sleeping etc) but that's mainly dealing with certain kinds of depression only.
Some people are lucky enough to have friends and family to talk about things, others need a total stranger (the therapist) to bounce thoughts off.
Great stuff that you find your own solutions, upwards and onwards eh?

I can see what Andrews trying to say here, Why would you want to shout it out on a dating site that you were having therapy?? Dont get me wrong, theres nothing wrong with therapy.

Maybe on a site that is for people wanting to talk about therapy/councelling, then that seems fine but i dont see why anyone would publicly want to say it on a dating thread?

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so lets just agree to disagree about what gets 'aired' on here.



I'm not against it being talked about....

But what I will say is that someone could be likeing your posts/pic/personality, then you post this, they may back off as they may see you as mentally unstable. Its just my perspective of this, I really dont think i'd ''air'' my private life to that extent on here.