<p>It is two months later and I’ve hit another rough patch. I was told to go to counseling. I am doing that, but it feels like it is not helping. I burst into tears at least once in every session. I feel like my therapist is judging me and that I shouldn’t be crying or have no reason to cry. I was told to document my feelings. I am doing that, and it seems to be getting worse. My episodes are longer. I was told to see a doctor. I am doing that, but observation takes time. </p>
<p>I am so easily agitated. I don’t want to leave my room. It’s hard for me to even try to act normal. I, ultimately, want to drop out of school, and I don’t want to go back to counseling. </p>
<p>I really just don’t want to be doing this anymore.</p>
<p>It often takes a couple therapists before you find one who really helps. It doesn’t sound like you have a good rapport with this one - find someone you don’t think is judging you. It’s hard to advise you on school - how much is left of the semester/quarter? Are you behind? Can you drop a class or two? </p>
<p>Many of us here on this forum have either gone through what you’re dealing with - of have children who did. Hugs! It will get better, but only if you don’t give up trying. </p>
<p>Finding another therapist would most likey be best. I don’t know if I want to continue with therapy. I don’t think I’m ready for it. </p>
<p>In my first discussion, I said I was a senior, when I am a freshman. I just started. I have my entire college career ahead of me. Coming to college has been really hard. Schoolwork is overwhelming. I can’t drop any classes without losing my scholarships. I have three more months of this semester left. I don’t know how I will get through it. I just wish I could snap out of this.</p>
<p>My parents know. They want me to come home and I want to do the same. But I can’t go home as much as I want because I fall behind in my schoolwork. They can’t do much from where they are except encourage me to hold through until May. </p>
<p>What kind of therapy are you having? Short-term cognitive behavioral therapy is currently recognized as far more effective than traditional long-term “talk” therapies. More important, have you been offered any medication to get you over this hump? An antidepressant could make the difference in enabling you to finish the semester. The doctor won’t need to “observe” you for any length of time in order to prescribe for you–your own description of your symptoms will be enough. (Good heavens, they hand out antidepressants like candy these days!) With proper medication, you may well be able to get through the semester and then focus on a more long-term strategy to get to a better place before returning to school. But don’t wait–most antidepressants need time to take effect.</p>
<p>Someone I know is having therapy right now. Because the therapy didn’t seem to be helpful after a few months, she is investigating the possibility of taking medication, too. This may be a good idea for you. Sometimes, the combination of both approaches – medication and therapy – works out the best.</p>
<p>If your therapist is not a physician, you will need to see a physician to discuss medication options. This could be either your primary care physician or a specialist. Either your primary care physician or the therapist might be able to give you the names of specialists whom they work with and trust.</p>
<p>Are you sleeping and eating normally?
I haven’t had any problems going to sleep or staying asleep, but I haven’t been getting as much sleep as I’m used to. I get around 6 hours a sleep for the past month. I need about 8 or 9 hours to feel well-rested. Food has been ok.</p>
<p>What kind of therapy are you having?
I go to the counseling offered by my university. It is mainly just talking about how my week went and then my therapist offers suggestions on what I can do to solve a problem that I had. I don’t find it helpful. Many times I have told my therapist that I’m feeling down or stressed, and they tell me to keep up with my calendar as if that’s going to solve all my problems. </p>
<p>Thank you guys for the suggestions, I will talk to my parents about talking to my doctor for names. </p>
<p>MooBloo, my daughter didn’t like the first therapist she saw. Interestingly, she had one of the same complaints you do, that she felt he was judging her. Then she tried another one, and they hit it off immediately and did very good work. Therapy is partly a matter of interpersonal chemistry, and it doesn’t sound like you have it with your current therapist. Please look for another one.</p>
<p>Also, I second the recommendation to ask a doctor about antidepressants (MommaJ is right – there’s no need for an observation period). For many people, a combination of medication and the right therapist can turn things around. </p>
<p>First, you need enough sleep. Make it happen. In short, sleep deprivation can mimic all sorts of mental issues.
It can cloud your own perceptions and reactions. See if this helps, even a little. </p>
<p>Cognitive behavioral therapy at school is working for one of my kids. But she clicks with the therapist. It was also suggested that she get 10 minutes of exercise daily. But, she also has a psychiatrist, at home, one who specializes in college age, who monitors her meds, overall- and with whom she also clicks. Not just a physician, who may not be versed in how to properly assess what Rx is needed and reactions. </p>
<p>Yes, any doc can prescribe an initial low level Rx. Yes, this “does it” for many people, especially if it’s situational stress or anxiety (something happened to set it off .) But if it’s more severe, have a psychiatrist in your court. (They are the MDs trained in this specific arena.) The usual Rx starters didn’t resolve, for my kid. Long story.</p>