Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Does Counseling work? I don't want medication

I've been pretty depressed for the majority of the year, almost the whole year over a kind of abusive relationship, not physically abusive, I guess you could call it manipulative and deciving...I was wondering if a counselor has helped in anyones depression significantly. Has anyone seeked a counselor for depression, and if so, was it helpful? thanks.
6 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Yes, talk therapy can be extremely helpful, but like someone else, it really depends on who you get as to the effectiveness of it. It also depends on your motivation. Even though I was going through a very severe case of episodic depression, I knew somewhere in there that I really wanted to feel the way I once had (an upbeat, love-life kind of person). I've been to four different therapists over the last 18 years, for different periods of time. The first one I went to lasted the longest. I thought at the time it was because the depression was more severe (I only had one other real depressive episode...the other two therapists have been as need/preventive situations) but now that I look back I think it was because she wasn't the right person for me. The second time a serious depression hit me 10 years later, I had a wonderful counselor who pushed me through it quickly.

As for the worry about work finding out. I had to go through a U.S. State dept. very intense assessment/background check, everything included.  I was honest about my past and although I ended up having a phone consultation with one of their psychiatrists, I think they appreciated that I was upfront and I got full security clearance. My hb who has had severe problems most of his life with MI encouraged me to do this and I'm glad I didn't hide it. It actually shows your bravery in the face of adversity.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm in the same boat.  I'm a man.  I was married and went through serious arguments.  No physical violence, but the arguments eventually let the tea boiler cap off and I called my wife the B word.  Since then I wokeup for months feeling angry and calling her the B'word.  I later divorced her because I was afraid the marriage was not good.  I have never had problems before that.  

Now 3 years later, I wake up being angry at others around me.  Its like my anger is still there and now its finding another outlet.   Its a weird feeling waking up and the first thoughts are angry thoughts even though I slept fine.   How can I eliminate the anger or emotional trauma?

I missed the days when I would wake up feeling positive and no negative feelings.  Just feeling good to have slept.  Its almost like this has become habitual.  

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
About the work issue. I wouldn't worry about it. Most employers are much more understanding about mental health issues that they were in the past.

That's even if they find out, which they probably wouldn't even know.

This is not info that you even need to talk about with them.

Put it this way, I work for a company that upon hire put me thru extensive criminal and drug back ground checks and even they don't know that I see a psychiatrist and take AD meds. It's none of their business anyway.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for your input. I would really rather try counseling first, I don't like the idea of medicine masking the issue. I do have concerns however, I plan on going into the health field and i know counseling is suppose to be confidential but would a future employer be able to find out through my insurance or anything that I have had counseling? I just don't know if an employer would find me unfit to hire or something stupid like that if I needed counseling, has ony one heard of that? That would be my only reason not to seek help.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Counseling and talk therapy should always be tried first before thinking about medications. The only exception for this would be in cases of severe forms of Depression that are non-situational in nature.

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yes, I have had remarkable success with certain counselors, not so much with others.
It's a bit tricky knowing who is going to be good and who is not.

By all means, schedule a meeting with someone, preferably a psychologist who specializes in depression. (Some specialize in other things). Sometimes a relatively short course of therapy is all that is needed to get one back "in the game".

Bob
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Depression Community

Top Mood Disorders Answerers
Avatar universal
Arlington, VA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
15 signs that it’s more than just the blues
Discover the common symptoms of and treatment options for depression.
We've got five strategies to foster happiness in your everyday life.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.