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Therapy/Treatment

I'm currently seeing a counsellor concerning depression/anxiety, and am still wavering on the idea about telling her of my binging/laxatives/over exercising. Is a counsellor qualified anough to give me the support I want? She is unable to give out medication, and I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not. Would you advise seeing someone different (a psychologist) and requesting medication, or sticking with therapy? What has/hasn't worked for you? (One concern I have is abusing the medication to be honest, since I have no self-control; not in my current state).

Also, what puts someone at the risk of being hospitalised? I know the whole 'a danger to yourself' deal, but what exactly does that mean? A danger to yourself as in suidical, or just physical harm?
Thanks, and help is greatly appreciated.
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214105 tn?1265935159
Hi Tifa,
I know you'll get through this as you have conquered the most difficult part; understanding yourself and keeping things in perspective. We all have habits that we need to change and once we accept that we can start working on them. Reading your message has given me renewed strength to work on the ones I need to change :)

Best of luck.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The only thing I was really worried about was being stuck in a mental hospital which is pretty farfetched now that I think about it.
It turns out my therapist guessed that I have an eating disorder, and believes that I have EDNOS which wasn't fun to hear. She's had experience with eating disorders so I think I'll stick with therapy for now. I haven't told her about the laxatives or selfharm, but she does know about the food anxiety and exercising which was enough for her to make assumptions.  

Thanks a lot for the support it was really helpful and now I'm not so stressed out about it!
I'm not going to think of it as 'recovery' though, that's too daunting... just changing habits (:
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Avatar universal
hello:)
I would say mention it to your current counsellor. Reasons for your anxiety/depression will most likely interlink with your issues surrounding food and exercise, so being truthful about all areas - as difficult as it seems, and is, it will only benefit you in the long run!
As for the medication part, your counsellor may not be able to prescribe you anything, but once she knows the full extent of your problems, she may be able to refer you elsewhere where a broader amount of treatment will be available. Here they may be able to prescribe  you something - but as long as you voice your concerns they can monitor your intake of prescription tablets. And if the fear of addiciton was too strong they would most likely hold off from giving you anything unless it was totally needed :)
You may find that seeing both a counsellor and psyhcologist will be helpful; counsellor to chat and voice concerns to and psychologist to do more hands on work about negative thinking etc. Remember that you are always in control and that help is available to you!
I personally have struggled with eating disorders and depression, and during my lowest times have found it useful to see both counsellors and psychologists, along with dieticians for the diet and exercise part. Seperately they help in different ways and tackle different issues, but collectively work towards the same goal WITH you :)
As for the hospitilisation part, to be an inpatient you have to be referred by either yourself, close family member or current doctor. "Danger to yourself" means what it implies really. Yes if suicide is a fear you could be hospitalised, or for reasons such as decresing mantal/physical health, extreme weight loss, self harm etc or if you become a danger to those around you :)
I hope you keep on the path to "recovery" I know it isn't easy, but wish you all of the luck!
x




Helpful - 0
214105 tn?1265935159
Hi,
I think it is a good idea to speak to your counselor about it. They will be able to give you good objective advice that will help you on the path to deal with the issues. They will also refer you elsewhere if they feel you need different type of help. It's really good that you realize that abusing the medication might be an issue and finding a solution that doesn't expose you to that would be  ideal.

When they talk about being a danger to yoursel, they are referring to your health. Your health is very important and not taking good care of it for a while can have very serious implications both your physical and mental health.

You are thinking about the issues and seeking help which are often the first two big hurdles. Keep on tackling it as you are half way there.


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