Sometimes it really feels better to talk about these sorts of things, but don't regret not telling your professors and everyone.
Are there free therapy clinics in the area? I was under the impression that rape crisis centers were free, so you could look into that. If you were just looking into therapy for multiple things, then of course that is a problem. Also, if you were to go to the free therapy clinic at your school, can you request not to be seen by your friend? Or is it that you just don't want them to know that you're going to therapy at all? I can completely understand the dilemma, as it would be very awkward to have a friend know you're going through therapy. :/ You could also try to call that clinic and ask for other free therapy clinics in the area; they might have suggestions for you.
Depression is really hard to work through. Although not the same situation, I went through a bout of depression two years after graduating from high school, and I am finally coming out of it. I say that if you want to talk to people, talk and share. Even if you don't want to share with new people, just talk to the people that DO know. Serious or things that you consider petty, if you talk about it, it does help.
And if you do want to share with new people, specifically your friends, I think that a lot of them would be understanding. Yes, you'll get some friends that play the blame game for your depression and whatnot, but you'd be surprised just how many friends that come through and help you when you're in trouble.
By the way, if you ever do make it out to the San Francisco area and you need a place to crash, I have a room that you're welcome to. It couldn't be a permanent thing (I rent and would get in trouble if I have extra people living with me), but if you ever want to visit and just chill, feel free. We live on the coast and have a view of the ocean that just refreshes the mind.
That sounds absolutely wonderful. I actually have family that live out there too, and so does my boyfriend. We were considering a trip out there after I graduate, but that is a year or so away at the least. But who knows? A trip out there would definitely do me some good. I love California.
I've dealt with depression since my early teen years, as well as anxiety and some other mental health issues, so I know what you mean. Depression is one of the hardest things to overcome in my eyes. It's just like a mental weight that you can't lift off of yourself without a lot of determination.
And I've considered the free therapy route, but a lot of the free clinics are for newly practicing grad students, and I just feel like I'd need someone with a lot of experience with this type of thing. I was going to a therapist who specialized in post traumatic stress and anxiety issues and it helped immensely, but right when I opened up about what was really bothering me, I could no longer afford the visits. My health insurance only covers a few a year, but as it started over for the year, I'm considering going back. It does scare me a little though. I would cry so hard I couldn't even speak in those sessions, and it was really emotionally draining, but I know in the long run it will do me some good. I have a bad habit of avoiding the truth when I am depressed or anxious. I just try to force myself happy, but then it all kind of piles up at the same time and overwhelms me. I'm really fortunate to have such a supportive boyfriend, but I really think it would do me some good to hang around with some more understanding people and open up to them about just the basic stuff.
I really appreciate you responding to this. I know we haven't talked much recently, and it means a lot that you have taken the time to give me advice.
So sorry for taking so long to reply to this; I restricted my access to the computer so I could properly study for my midterms.
I'm glad you could have a support system in California if you decided to move. It makes a huge difference. :]
If you really want to get therapy at a much cheaper price, you may qualify for sliding scale therapy. I'm not exactly sure what the logistics are regarding qualifications, but you can ask a clinic if they do it and if you qualify. I think it's based on your annual income. I know that when I was young I was able to go to to therapy for a MUCH cheaper price than if I were to go now because of my financial situation. I think I paid like $10 an hour compared to $100 an hour. Once again, not sure on the specifics on that. I'd check into it.
I'm glad I could help. If you ever want to talk about anything [not related to LJ journals], just send me a message on FB or send me an email. :)
Are there free therapy clinics in the area? I was under the impression that rape crisis centers were free, so you could look into that. If you were just looking into therapy for multiple things, then of course that is a problem. Also, if you were to go to the free therapy clinic at your school, can you request not to be seen by your friend? Or is it that you just don't want them to know that you're going to therapy at all? I can completely understand the dilemma, as it would be very awkward to have a friend know you're going through therapy. :/ You could also try to call that clinic and ask for other free therapy clinics in the area; they might have suggestions for you.
Depression is really hard to work through. Although not the same situation, I went through a bout of depression two years after graduating from high school, and I am finally coming out of it. I say that if you want to talk to people, talk and share. Even if you don't want to share with new people, just talk to the people that DO know. Serious or things that you consider petty, if you talk about it, it does help.
And if you do want to share with new people, specifically your friends, I think that a lot of them would be understanding. Yes, you'll get some friends that play the blame game for your depression and whatnot, but you'd be surprised just how many friends that come through and help you when you're in trouble.
By the way, if you ever do make it out to the San Francisco area and you need a place to crash, I have a room that you're welcome to. It couldn't be a permanent thing (I rent and would get in trouble if I have extra people living with me), but if you ever want to visit and just chill, feel free. We live on the coast and have a view of the ocean that just refreshes the mind.
Reply
I've dealt with depression since my early teen years, as well as anxiety and some other mental health issues, so I know what you mean. Depression is one of the hardest things to overcome in my eyes. It's just like a mental weight that you can't lift off of yourself without a lot of determination.
And I've considered the free therapy route, but a lot of the free clinics are for newly practicing grad students, and I just feel like I'd need someone with a lot of experience with this type of thing. I was going to a therapist who specialized in post traumatic stress and anxiety issues and it helped immensely, but right when I opened up about what was really bothering me, I could no longer afford the visits. My health insurance only covers a few a year, but as it started over for the year, I'm considering going back. It does scare me a little though. I would cry so hard I couldn't even speak in those sessions, and it was really emotionally draining, but I know in the long run it will do me some good. I have a bad habit of avoiding the truth when I am depressed or anxious. I just try to force myself happy, but then it all kind of piles up at the same time and overwhelms me. I'm really fortunate to have such a supportive boyfriend, but I really think it would do me some good to hang around with some more understanding people and open up to them about just the basic stuff.
I really appreciate you responding to this. I know we haven't talked much recently, and it means a lot that you have taken the time to give me advice.
Reply
I'm glad you could have a support system in California if you decided to move. It makes a huge difference. :]
If you really want to get therapy at a much cheaper price, you may qualify for sliding scale therapy. I'm not exactly sure what the logistics are regarding qualifications, but you can ask a clinic if they do it and if you qualify. I think it's based on your annual income. I know that when I was young I was able to go to to therapy for a MUCH cheaper price than if I were to go now because of my financial situation. I think I paid like $10 an hour compared to $100 an hour. Once again, not sure on the specifics on that. I'd check into it.
I'm glad I could help. If you ever want to talk about anything [not related to LJ journals], just send me a message on FB or send me an email. :)
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