Mental Health Awareness - Treatment

 

Treatment

So on the 1st of February I received a call regarding my referral to therapy, I had to do a telephone assessment first, where the same routine questions I was asked at the GP were asked again, as well as a short breakdown as to what/when and how long I've been feeling down and concerned about my mental health and guess what? I cried again. 

After an hour and a bit, I was informed about the different types of therapy and given the option to choose which one would be the best for me. 

1 to 1 therapy - A therapist and I, probably the most common form of therapy, would definitely be worth it but I decided I wasn't fully comfortable talking to a therapist face to face, I am aware that therapists are trained professionals but I know that all I would do is cry and cry if I spoke to someone one on one and feel like I've wasted the session, so that was a no.

Telephone therapy - Very similar to 1 to 1 therapy, however, it's on the phone. Talking through your problems with your therapist, in a confidential environment. I chose not to opt for this, due to not being able to commit to a weekly or monthly phone call, I decided to pass on that.

Group therapy - Pretty straightforward, kind of like a focus group, with people who have similar struggles to yourself, you sit around a trained therapist and discuss how you're feeling, based on a specific weekly/monthly topic. I couldn't do that, the tears just wouldn't stop - I really struggle to talk to anyone about how I feel, no matter how qualified they are.


Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) - is a talking therapy that aims to help manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave.
It's most commonly used to treat anxiety and depression. CBT is based on the concept that your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and actions are interconnected, and that negative thoughts and feelings can trap you in a vicious cycle. 

I chose to opt for this therapy, due to the fact that I constantly feel stuck in a cycle of the feeling of self hate, failing and hopelessness. 
My CBT is online, I do modules at my own pace, as well as keep an online journal, to record good days and bad days, this online journal is viewed by my therapist, so she can support me and I speak to her once a month online, and so far its been so good!

I still have periods of horrible anxiety, and down days, especially when something goes wrong or someone says something to make me feel useless however it has gotten a lot better since starting the therapy.

If I hadn't finally spoken to someone who knows where my head would be at right now. I know how daunting it is sitting in front of a doctor and explaining everything that is going on in your head but once it's out there you will feel 100 times better, I promise. Just one day at a time!
I really hope that these last few posts have helped someone, anyone. It will get better. You are not alone.

Until next time lovelies.

K x