I did it. I talked to the therapist. She asked me what brought me there and I told her that I seemed to be in a funk that was lasting longer than just a day or two (month) and that my being irritable and short tempered all the time wasn't fair to the kids. She said, "Heck, it's not fair to YOU!" So she asked me a bunch of questions about seems like everything and said based on my answers that yes, I would be considered clinically depressed (after talking for a while--she didn't tell me that right off the bat). She also gave me a flyer on abusive personalities. She said she'd like me to take a look at it and we'll go over it next week. She doesn't like some of the things I said about dh. She also asked what my thoughts were about meds. I told her I wasn't opposed and that as far as I could tell from what I know about depression, I was doing everything I could to prevent it EXCEPT medicating. I don't think she can prescribe, but I'm sure she has someone that can if we go that route. She also thinks I need to give my kids more responsibility. She said that if I'm doing something for them that they can do for themselves I'm enabling them. If they can't do it, I'm supporting. She said to stop enabling. *sigh* Easier said than done. Sometimes enabling is easier than the fight (something my oldest son does well). I'll have to work on that. So I'm going back next Monday afternoon. She was really nice. She did ask if I though dh would come in with me sometime and I told her honestly, he didn't even know I was there and that no, I don't think he'd come willingly. He may go, but he wouldn't like it and he's not very pleasant to be around when I force him to go somewhere. I'd rather him not go than have to force him or beg. So that's where I am. I've had some good days since I posted last week along with a few bad ones (Thursday was bad ). So we'll see what happens.

By Trina~moderator on Monday, January 23, 2006 - 03:08 pm:

{{{HUGS}}} Sounds like she's a GOOD therapist. Here's to more GOOD days!

By Tink on Monday, January 23, 2006 - 03:11 pm:

Good luck, Anon. I think you're being very brave in facing the depression and not just accepting it as your lifestyle. It sounds like the therapist is a good match for you and that she's pretty understanding of your life. If you are who I think you are, you've got a lot on your plate right now and this will be so much help. Not enabling your kids is going to be tough (I need to work on this with my dh and dks) but it will end up making your life easier and will allow them to grow in ways they need. Maybe your dh will change his mind if he sees how much the therapy helps you. {{{Anon}}} I'll be thinking of you.

By Jewlz on Monday, January 23, 2006 - 04:26 pm:

ohhh this is a step in the right direction to help u kick that funk! It wont leave fast but ull be able to manage it with help from ur therapist and the info u have. once ur hubby sees that ur trying hard to have a better outlook and not be so irritable maybe he will like the old you coming out and just maybe go in and see what the therapist is saying. if not ur married to my hubby to ...well a man like him anyways. stubborn and thinks therapists are only for crazy people. and he not crazy. sighs... anyways good luck in having more good days and keeping a positive out look on life and letting the kids learn to help u out so u can have more time to be with them as a fun mom ...

By Happynerdmom on Monday, January 23, 2006 - 05:12 pm:

{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}
^5 for taking care of yourself.

By Groovepickle on Monday, January 23, 2006 - 05:19 pm:

Wow I am so proud of you!
Groove

By Christylee on Monday, January 23, 2006 - 05:47 pm:

Congratulations, you took the first HUGE step in helping yourself. Sometimes that step is the hardest, admitting you need help. It was for me...

By Ginny~moderator on Monday, January 23, 2006 - 06:48 pm:

Anon, here are a couple of websites you might find helpful in your thinking. I am really, really glad you have seen the therapist, and it sounds like she knows the right questions to ask, even the uncomfortable ones.

http://www.nottopeoplelikeus.com/body/profiles.html

http://www.4therapy.com/consumer/conditions/item.php?uniqueid=5175&categoryid=244&

By Nicki on Monday, January 23, 2006 - 07:00 pm:

Anon, I was thinking of you today! I'm so glad your appointment went well.

By Cat on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 08:43 am:

.

By Anonymous on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 11:29 am:

Another Anon here:

I know you must feel some relief just going and talking with her! I am very glad you found someone that you could talk to, that can give you unbiased, unemotional, feedback.

I have been to a couple of counselors (i liked the second one better then the first) and it did help going and learning some new ways to think out issues. It also helped to know that I am not crazy like I was starting to think I was. lol argh Do you have any schooling? Or a career? I have a little schooling, but never finished college. I am trying to get a career going and get myself back up on my *own* two feet just in case. kwim?


Glad to hear you went.

By Sunny on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 01:45 pm:

(((hugs)))