Depression Community

I've been exactly where you are (a couple of days ago in fact). What I've learned to tell myself is this: Depression is just another illness. It isn't my fault when catch the flu, it isn't my fault when I feel very down.

I too find it very hard (impossible, really) to talk to friends and family about how I feel and my insurance carrier is kind of rotten when it comes to the number of therapists that are enrolled. Is there a community mental health center in your area? Or even a university with a psych department? It may have a clinic that is open to the public. Finally, I found this yesterday: http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=support_OSGnocomponent There are online and local support groups.

Take care.

Jeune,

Thank you for the response. I have found some relief in just knowing I'm not the only person who feels this way.

I briefly did a search for a community mental health center or clinic and haven't had luck yet, but I'll keep looking.

hello, 79 --

does your insurance company have a website? if so, it might have a directory of authorized/preferred mental health providers there. it seems ridiculous that it should take them two days to get back to you with such a simple Q. i would call them back if you don't hear from them by tomorrow (thurs) mid-morning.

don't let them shuffle you from person to person, or dept to dept. get the specific name of anyone you talk to so you can ask for that person again; if s/he doesn't help after two calls, ask for a different person, preferably a supervisor or "anyone else who might be able to help." be polite and respectful! sometimes i make sort of a personal plea -- "i know how busy you must be, but i would be so grateful if you could help me, i just don't know where else to turn," etc., etc. once s/he gives you the info, be effusive with your thanks -- you never know when you might have to ask him/her to help you again!

once you make an apptmt, ask to be put on the "cancellation list" also; that way if someone else cancels earlier than your apptmt, you can take their slot. ask if there are any papers that you need to fill out, and, if so, ask that they be mailed to you; that way you won't spend your first apptmt doing paperwork and not getting to talk. don't mail them back (who knows what might happen with the post office?); take them with you when you go.

i am so sorry that you're having such a hard time right now. try to get thru one day at a time, or six hrs at a time, or six mins at a time -- whatever you can manage. then tackle another day, or another six hrs, or another six mins. don't think about next week; just concentrate on whatever interval you can handle, then move on to the next one.

finally, we have a list of resources for free or low-cost medical care, including counseling, at http://forums.webmd.com/3/depression-exchange/forum/6522 . i know you want someone in your insurance network, but this might give you some ideas for finding other local resources in case it turns out to be a while before you can get in with someone else.

i send you caring thoughts and hope you will keep us posted on how you are doing.

-- susie margaret

What susie m. said. (And thanks for the tip about the cancellation list.)

Hey 79Nic,

Understand the anger part. If someone is feeling the way you sound, you can usually get in sooner than later. Couldn't say about your particular case but the Doctor's office usually wants to hear when you're screaming at God. Especially when doing the depression dance and having a hard time eating.

I want to thank everyone for their replies. Im doing much better now

Great to hear, we will be around here some where - if you feel like venting again. It's one of the things that gets us up and moving again.

hello, 79 --

yay for feeling better!

were you able to schedule an apptmt?

-- susie margaret

Susie,

No I did not get an appointment. I was able to go back to all the things I learned in previous cognitive therapy and focused on the things I needed to in order to be well. FacingUs.org has been a very resourceful website in keeping me on track.

I appreciate all the support I received from all of you despite the fact you are strangers.

-Nic

"I am still determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may be. For I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our disposition and not upon our circumstances."
~ Martha Washington