What kind of help do I need first
Hi folks. So my story is long but I'll try to focus on the task at hand. I'm at a point in life where I've been anxious so long I don't remember what it's like not to be. I have severe depression struggles and regular panic attacks. I'm afraid of a lot of things. I'm 30 and currently live with my partner of a year and a half, I'm constantly filled with guilt shame fear and insecurity about whether we are right for eachother and struggle to tell the difference between actual red flags and my brain full of negative and self loathing thoughts. I tend to overreact and I can never trust my thoughts, reactions, decisions. I am basically unable to make decisions at this point. Im also very insufficient sexually due to lack of self confidence and worth as well as a low drive, and I know this effects our relationship connection. I also am not able to work to the same level as I was when I was younger and I struggle to do well in interviews cause I just don't have any confidence. I have seen doctors etc over the last 14 years but am currently only talking to a counselor (she is a psyche student in her final year, so she's a bit more affordable). I know most therapists and psychologists have specialities, but I need someone that knows about anxiety disorders, depression and panic disorders, 2slgbtq gender identity and sexuality, phobias, and suicidal ideation. And this just seems like too tall an order in reality. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice for resources that might be helpful, or what kind of person I should be looking for in terms of a therapist etc. I'm on medication through my family doctor as well. If you read this far, thanks.
@KindPear maybe you need psychologist to help manage medications maybe you need a therapists that specializes in anxiety disorders and other stuff you mentioned but with the pandemic i do not know how easy it will be to find this particular type of counselor or Therapist most from what i was told are doing Tele health or possibly zoom chat.
@KindPear Most professional therapists and counsellors specialize in one approach, not one disorder.
For example, CBT is one approach. CBT can be used to treat many disorders, including anxiety, depression, panic disorder, gender identity issues, phobias and suicidal ideation. ACT is another approach. ACT can also be used to treat all those disorders. And there are several other approaches around.
So I would suggest that it's not too tall an order for an experienced professional. They are used to treating multiple disorders using one approach.
Students, however, often learn about all the common approaches at the same time. They haven't specialized yet.
As affordability is a consideration for you, some experienced professionals might be out of your price range. But I've heard there are some who occasionally agree to reduced rates.
I would also suggest that it can be useful to look into the total cost of treatment, not just the cost per session. An experienced professional can often achieve a lot in just a few sessions. Someone inexperienced but cheap might achieve very little after many sessions. You can discuss this at the start of treatment: "How many sessions will I need to turn things around?" If the answer is vague, you can walk away.
Your family doctor might be a starting point for finding an effective therapist.
If you'd ever like to chat about your situation, feel free to click on my profile picture and message me.
Charlie
Thanks for all the info, I really appreciate it. I'll look into these things more.