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0 By Claire Raymond
There are two main kinds of help for depression; medication and counselling or therapy. You may be prescribed both, and the medication can often help you make the most of your therapy or counselling.
Your doctor may decide that the best course of action is for you to see a counsellor or therapist. Many people are reluctant to take counselling or therapy because they think it’s only for ‘crazy’ people. But talking to someone face-to-face that will not judge you and knows how to help you can be so liberating.
Unfortunately it is not as simple as your doctor referring you and you getting an appointment within the same week, sadly it doesn’t work like that. Since resources are so limited many places have waiting lists of up to two years! But your doctor will know where to send you to get you an appointment as soon as possible.
If you don’t know what to expect from counselling or therapy then don’t worry. These people are there to help you, not judge you. Many people think that therapists are judging them on every little thing they do, but this is not true, they are simply trying to figure out the best way to help you. And don’t worry about being made to lie on a leather couch, you can sit down, stand up or walk around the room – it is entirely up to you.
Your counsellor or therapist cannot force you to talk about things. If they tried it would be very counter-productive but it really is best to try and talk things through with them. You may find it hard at first and any therapist will know that you may not be up to baring your soul in the first few sessions. But you should gradually find yourself building up a relationship of mutual trust with them which will make you feel more comfortable.
As I have said before, having someone to talk to that you know will not judge you can be incredibly helpful for anyone suffering with depression, so if your doctor suggests it, give it a try. You have nothing to lose.
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[…] can assure you that through therapy and medications, I am working through this and I am improving but it is still a work in progress. […]