Soooo...I'm going to make an Appt. with a Psychologist...

[bicentennial_baby]

While the acute depression and anxiety has abated, I know I need to do something, as my parents' situation just isn't going to get better.

My favorite Professor and I discussed this today, and she recommended a Psychologist to me. Tomorrow, I'm going to call Health Services at school to see what I need to do to get a referral. I just don't feel comfortable with the Counseling Center at school, so this is a good alternative. She's covered in my Health Plan, I just need the referral.

:hi:

[NMDemDist2]

1. every body has times in their lives that an outside person can give

needed support and clarity

:hug:

[bicentennial_baby]

6. I haven't felt the need in about 4 years, but I can't pretend I'm not

cracking up, lately.

:hug:

[Shakespeare]

2. I think that's a great idea.

You've got so much heinous shit to deal with right now, so if that helps, then I think it's fantastic. I hope the referral goes well.

:loveya: :hi:

[bicentennial_baby]

7. I hope that it does help...

Either way, it's worth a shot. :loveya:

[TZ]

3. Good.

I hope it helps you. Have you checked out the Mental Health Support Group here? Thats a pretty good group....:hi:

[bicentennial_baby]

8. Yes, but I am reticent

to spill everything that publicly. :hi:

Thanks. :)

[1gobluedem]

4. Wise decision

I hope it helps with the stress....:hi:

[bicentennial_baby]

9. Me too!

Hi friend! :hi:

[Gormy Cuss]

5. Hey, what could it hurt?

It could help a lot. Win-win, if you ask me, and you didn't, but I have a big mouth and an opinion.
:pals:

[bicentennial_baby]

10. Ha!

I appreciate your opinion. :)

:pals:

[malta blue]

11. I'm glad you are being proactive bi_baby....

:hug:

Remember we are always here for you too :pals:

[bicentennial_baby]

12. Thanks babe, I know that....

:hug:

[Taverner]

13. Good idea - its always good to have a third party to check against

[bicentennial_baby]

15. Against what?

I know I'm losing it, my parents are dying, at variable rates. Not much to check. I just need someone to talk to about it.

[Taverner]

17. Everything! If you have a third party for everything it will keep you sane.

Trust me, from someone who lost touch with reality once...and needed the third party!

[bicentennial_baby]

18. Oh, I've been there...this isn't as acute, but

It's only going to get worse. This is a preemptive measure before the shit really goes down. Sigh.

[EFerrari]

14. Good idea. And remember, you can SHOP for the right person.

The last time I did, I saw three different clinicians. The one I went with had the fewest badges and she turned out to be the best thing I've ever done.

Good luck.

:hug:

[bicentennial_baby]

16. True 'dat, babe

My Prof has seen her as well for her own family stuff, and recommended her. Hopefully she'll be a good fit. As my Prof is an Economist and we share a similar brain and temperament, it might just work.

:hug:

[Flaxbee]

19. sounds like a good move.... and as someone upthread

said, shop around 'til you find the right person to talk to. I always felt more comfortable talking to a woman, too. My parents' lives were going to hell (ironically, my dad is a psychiatrist) and just being able to talk about it with someone who wasn't asking me what I was going to do about it was great. I hope you find some comfort talking to someone removed from the situation! :hi:

[bicentennial_baby]

20. That's exactly what I need:

"being able to talk about it with someone who wasn't asking me what I was going to do about it"

Damn straight. Thank you so much. :pals:

[SeattleGirl]

21. Good on ya, babykins

Sometimes we all need a bit extra in the help department. :hug:

[bicentennial_baby]

22. Ayup...

I can recognize that I need it. Thankfully someone today gave me a resource that I can look into.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

23. My dear bi_baby...

Good for you...

I've made use of them several times over my life, and they can really make a very positive difference...

I know it will help you...

:hug:

[bicentennial_baby]

24. I hope that it will, Peggy

Things aren't well in my corner of the world, and they are utterly out of my control. So yeah, I figure I should talk to someone.

:) Thanks.

[The Straight Story]

25. Good luck my friend - my way of looking at it is

I have a ton of experience in the computer field, and when someone needs help with such things they call me.

Psychologists have a ton of experience dealing with certain things as well, so when I need help I talk to one.

I hope you have a good experience in all this!

[bicentennial_baby]

27. Something's gotta give...

Or else I crack up like a mental patient...Can't have that. My Husband, my Family, and my schoolwork all command my attention. Need to get on this before the semester begins in a month, ya dig?

:hi:

[The Straight Story]

30. yeah

After mom died, then wife had asthma attack, mom's best friend died, x wife died and found my kids after 8 years, several neighbors died, found out wife had a brain cyst and parkinson's, etc I was a fucking mess.

Something finally did give, but thankfully I got some good care - and realized that such care is something one can use off and on in life, because there are a lot of people out there going through hell and psych folks deal with it all the time and can help me realize that I am not alone out here.

My one Doc back in Ohio was a super help to me in getting over some issues as he had worked with others through their times as well and was able to make me feel a little more sane about my emotions and not guilty.

Once I get insurance again when I move back to Ohio next week I will probably see someone again - never hurts.

[bicentennial_baby]

34. Yeah, I'm at the wall, figuratively speaking...

Dad has MS, in the hospital for 9 months now...Mom has ALS, and is deteriorating quickly (maybe 6-12 months left)...I'm 100 miles away, entering my last year of my BA in Economics, a huge academic year ahead of me, I'm worried about my little brother, who's taking care of Mom and Dad...it goes on and on. This leads to acute episodes of anxiety and depression, with a distinct lack of appetite and days in bed doing nothing.

Yeah, I have to get right, and fast. And I will. I just have to get on top of all of this before it gets the better of me.

:)

[The Straight Story]

37. Sorry to hear about it all

It must be difficult, and from my own experience I can say that you can't always find solutions, but you can find ways with dealing.

The biggest issues I have dealt have been around guilt (didn't spend enough time with mom in the hospital, but brother sister did - I had a job and they didn't, etc, but I still felt really bad - then there were the issues with my kids...).

As the father of a wonderful little girl now I think to myself, if I am ever ill and she cannot be there a lot for me I don't want her to feel guilty, I want her to live her life to the fullest and be happy.

I'll get old, sick, and eventually die - and if I can do so and know my little girl is happy and having a good time in life I will die a happy man. I never want her to feel bad over such things.

The other issue is seeing someone I love suffer, and feeling helpless to do much about it - and there is not much I can about that. Someday I will accept it all, that my wonderful wife will get worse. For now I will live in bliss thinking she will get better I suppose :)

We all go through things like this - and I think we need to stick together and build one another up and hold hands as we walk through it.

My guess would be that your folks are proud of you and want the best for you, they probably worked hard in life for that.

Make em proud my friend.

[ScreamingMeemie]

26. Good luck my friend.

Just go with an open mind. I was actually told by a half dozen (7 really, so far) that I should just keep writing because I don't really like face to face stuff. :hug: In my thoughts...

[bicentennial_baby]

28. I know, babe...I just need someone who is relatively objective to vent on...

And hopefully they will steer me to a Dr that can give my Klonopin, for the bad times. That's all I want. A little talk and some nice anti-anxiety drugs to let me fucking sleep through the night when things are bad.

You know.

:hug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

29. I know it must be really sucky for you right now.

I wish there was something worthwhile I could do. :loveya:

[bicentennial_baby]

31. You could come see me!!

No pressure... :rofl:

I'd really love to see you though :loveya:

[ScreamingMeemie]

32. 'cept I am a walking waste case.

:loveya:

Would love to see you and still plan on an East Coast trip soon. I am running away for "that week". Down to Texas to look at houses.

[bicentennial_baby]

35. Anytime, love...

Even a weekend during the Fall. I can make time for you, always... :loveya:

[harmonicon]

33. good for you

I've been trying to get my girlfriend to go to one for years, but it's a touchy subject.

I went to a guy once last year, and it was a big help - just the one meeting. It was a good thing to do. If something might be able to help someone feel better, it's always at least worth trying, I think.

[bicentennial_baby]

36. I have to do it...

No other option. I can't handle all of this alone. I'm fine with paying someone to hear me cry and rage. :D

:pals:

[Radical Activist]

38. Probably not a bad idea.

You are fucking nuts.

I'm kidding, of course. I've thought of doing the same lately.

[bicentennial_baby]

39. Well, I'm approaching that...

:rofl:

:spank:

[Radical Activist]

40. Well then

I hope you're able to make the most of it.

The last time I went to someone in college it didn't go well and it was only later that I realized it was because she reminded me too much of my Mother. Ugh. That was doomed from the start.