The Power of Not Giving Up on Someone with Depression (Part 2)

“And I won’t give up if you don’t give up” – Train, from the song, “Calling All Angels”

 

In my last post, Choosing to Stay Alive When Depression Says to Give Up, I discussed not giving up when you live with depression or other mental illnesses. Today I would like to expand on that discussion. The lyric, “I won’t give up if you don’t give up” (Train), can also be applied to daily life with mental illness. We face constant challenges. Knowing that there is someone, or even more than one person, who won’t give up on us makes a huge difference in our lives. 

                  One of the challenges is remembering to take our medication or sometimes just being willing to take our medication. This can be difficult, especially if we need to take one at time when we are occupied with other things. It can also be difficult if the medication has side effects or makes a feel a way we do not like. Taking medication can be difficult if we are not seeing quick enough improvement. It is easy to give up on medications. Frustration can lead to giving up on the medication. We may need a mental healthcare provider to encourage us and not give up on us. That mental health provider can show they are not giving up on us by helping us set up a strategy to remember to take our medication. They can help us deal with side effects. They can listen when we explain how those side effects are impacting us and offer solutions. 

                  Another challenge might be wanting to give up on doing things that are healthy for us. This might include engaging with others, self-care activities, or coping strategies. It might also include going to work or going on a vacation. There are times, sometimes frequent, when we want to give up on these activities. For example, when I am struggling with my depression and/or anxiety I often give up on self- care activities. I may not want to get out of bed or may not want to take a shower. I may under- or overeat. In moments like these having a friend who won’t give up on me is important. A friend can show they are not giving up on us by reminding us to engage in self-care activities or by doing one of our coping strategies with us. 

                  Let’s look at some other things a friend or loved one can say or do to show that they won’t give up on someone living with depression or other mental illness. Here are some ideas:

What You Can Say

                  “I’m no expecting you to be okay right now. I’m here for you however you need me.”

                  “I care about you even on the quiet or hard days.”
                  “What can I do for you?”

                  “I may not fully understand what you are going through, but I want to understand.”

                  “You don’t need to earn my support.”

                  “I’m not going anywhere just because things are difficult.”

                  “Would you like to talk, sit quietly, or be distracted together?’

                  “Do you need me to talk or listen?’

What Can You Do

·      Follow through on promises, even small ones.

·      Sit with them during difficult times. Just be present. You don’t need to try to fix anything.

·      Learn about your loved one’s or friend’s condition. This will help you understand what they are going through and let them know you care enough to learn.

·      Treat them like a whole person, not only as someone who is struggling.

·      Engage in a coping strategy with them. For example, if going for a walk is one of their coping strategies, offer to walk with them.

·      Stay in contact even if they withdraw. Don’t disappear until they feel better. Send a check-in text or make a quick call or stop by.

·      Offer specific help. This might be something like:

o   “I can drive you to your appointment.”

o   “I can put a reminder on my phone and text you to remind you take your medication.”

o   Offer to help them with something that might be causing anxiety or a sense of overwhelm.

 

Those of us with depression or other mental illness are more likely to feel supported when we are believed, when we are not judged for our symptoms, when we are not punished for struggling, and when we are allowed dignity and autonomy. This is how you show you are not giving up on us.

                  As you can see the challenges facing many of us with mental illness are not always suicidal thoughts. Sometimes the challenges are the day-to-day things. When we are struggling we need to know that there are people in our lives who won’t give up on us. Believe me it is easy to give up on ourselves when we live with depression. The depression we live with often speaks negatively towards us. It might say that medication or treatment won’t work. We start to believe it and don’t take the medication. We might not go to a treatment appointment or therapy appointment, if we find ourselves giving up on it and believing it won’t work. If one of these are happening, we might need reassurance from our mental healthcare provider. That reassurance is being told they won’t give up, if we don’t give up. It might be the psychiatrist saying, “Let’s try this. What do you think about that?” These words let us know that our psychiatrist is still trying. If we see them trying, it can help us not give up. 

                  The same is true with therapy. It may be as simple as the psychologist/therapist/counselor saying, “Let’s talk about this.” That shows interest. When we see someone is interested in us, it lets us know that they have not given up on us, which encourages us to not give up on ourselves. 

                  It is not just the mental health professionals who can show that they are not giving up on us. As I mentioned friends and loved ones can encourage us and show us they have not given up on us. It might be that extra call or text to see how we are doing. Maybe it is an invite to do something together. It can also be asking, “Do you need me to talk or listen?” (See my post:  How to Support Someone with Depression: What to Sat and How to Help). Just knowing that a friend or loved one is there lets us know they have not given up on us. 

                  I consider myself lucky to have mental healthcare professionals who believe in me and who won’t give up on me. In all honesty, that is probably the main reason I am still here. It is the reason I have continued with therapy and treatment. Their suggestions and support are the reason I have so many coping strategies available when I am struggling. They let me know that they won’t give up on me. That encourages me to not give up. 

                  The way a person communicates with us both verbally and nonverbally can let us know that they are not giving up on us. Words matter. Words can encourage us. Unfortunately, words can also push us down. We need people in our lives who will encourage us whether they are mental healthcare providers or friends and loved ones. This does not mean that they need to agree with everything we say or do. Sometimes showing that they won’t give up on us means saying or doing the hard things. We may need to be told that we are hurting ourselves in some way. We may need to be told that taking our medication or being in treatment or going to therapy is non-negotiable. That is not to say that we do not have input, but sometimes we need to be reminded that we have an illness and require certain things to heal.

                  I have found that most mental healthcare professionals are going to be there saying “I won’t give up if you don’t give up.” As I said, I know that the mental healthcare professionals involved in my care and treatment won’t give up on me even when I am at my darkest points. While not every mental healthcare professional is as dedicated to their patients as mine are, I believe most are. Have I experienced ones that are not as committed to not giving up on us? Sadly, the answer is yes. I have experienced this with a former psychiatrist. I have also experienced it with an oncologist who didn’t give me much of a chance at survival So, it happens in physical healthcare, too.

                  One thing I have learned through having great mental and physical healthcare providers is that I have a right to that type of care. It should be the norm that they don’t give up on us. I had to learn this the hard way. When I discovered that a former psychiatrist had basically given up on me and was just overmedicating me, I struggled. I had to learn that there are psychiatrists who won’t give up on me. Luckily, after a couple of years I found one. The same with my psychologist, I know he will never give up on me. He may tell me things I don’t want to hear at times, but those words are shared to show me he is not giving up on me and to guide me in the right direction. I am lucky to also have two psychiatric nurse practitioners who I know won’t give up on me. 

                  I have a few friends and loved ones I now know I can turn to who won’t give up on me. That means the world to me. I wish that for everyone. That is why I talk to family groups and why I work to spread this blog to all who are willing to read. At some point in each of our lives we will encounter someone with depression or other mental illness. I hope I can educate people on what it is like to live with a mental illness and encourage them to not give up on those living with a mental illness.

As I said before, I know I am lucky to have all the care I have. I share my story in the hopes that it will help others. I hope others will see the type of care I have and understand that there are mental healthcare providers who won’t give up on us. I hope readers will take that understanding and reach out and demand the care I have.

I also hope that people understand that I won’t give up on them. You can always come to this blog for information, comfort, and understanding. My mental health is far from perfect. It is not where I want it to be at this point. Knowing this, I am working hard to keep myself from giving up on getting to where I want to be with my mental health. This requires me to not give up. Sometimes I need support in not giving up. When my mood drops or I have an anxiety attack, I often want to give up. In those moments I sometimes feel like I have done all I can do. In these moments I need to hear from someone on my mental health team or a friend or loved one that I am okay. I need them to say, “I won’t give up, if you don’t give up.” They may say this in different words or in actions, but the message is clear. I am not alone in this battle. And my friend, neither are you.

 

For part 1 see the May 25 post: Choosing to Stay Alive When Depression Says to Give Up https://depressionbentnotbroken.blogspot.com/2026/05/choosing-to-stay-alive-when-depression.html

 

 

 

 

 

How Therapy Helped Me Survive Depression: Why Mental Health Treatment Matters

                  Therapy has been a part of my life for over three decades. That may seem like it has been ineffective. The opposite is true. Therapy is a lifeline and a changing force for me. I process my emotions and struggles in therapy. I work on life issues that arise. I receive support when my depression pushes me into wanting to harm myself. I know my psychologist will guide me into feeling better. Therapy is not a magic potion. It is workspace. Being in therapy requires a commitment. Sometimes it takes time develop that commitment, but it is worth the time it takes. 

                  Let’s look at why people go to therapy, how therapy can help, and what a therapy session might be like. Keep in mind that there are different types of therapy. Different people find certain types of therapy more effective than others. In a way it is similar to different medications working better for different people. We have a right to find the type of therapy and the therapist that works best for us. 

                  First, we should define therapy. Therapy is a structured form of treatment for mental illness. In therapy a trained mental health professional helps a person understand, manage, and improve their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and overall well-being. The goal of therapy is larger than just a temporary fix, although there are often times when the focus of a therapy session needs to be on the short-term, especially if the person is experiencing a crisis. One of the overarching goals of therapy is improve the quality of a person’s life over time. Embedded in this is learning how to live with depression or other mental illness and how to utilize forms of treatment and coping strategies.

Reasons Why a Person Might Go to Therapy

                  There are many reasons a person may choose to go to therapy. Therapy is an important part of most treatment plans for depression and other mental illnesses. For me it has been vital. I would not be where I am today, able to write this blog, or able to live my life, without therapy. 

                  Therapy can help a person learn about their mental illness and how it affects them. This is an important reason for going to therapy. Living with a mental illness is difficult. There is a lot we need to learn about our illness. Understanding our illness and how it affects us allows us to manage our illness more effectively. A good therapist will guide us through gaining this understanding.

                  Dealing with emotional distress is another reason to go to therapy. The therapist will help a person cope with the distress. There are many types of emotional distress. It might be suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, anxiety, persistent sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness. In therapy a person will receive support coping with depression, anxiety, mania, anger, or trauma. 

                  Therapy can address grief. A person might go to therapy to address low-self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness. A therapist might also address anger, mood swings, or emotional numbness. Therapy is an important part of dealing with thoughts of self-harm or suicide.  Substance abuse can be addressed in therapy. 

                  A person does not need a diagnosis to benefit from therapy. Sometimes people just need a little help. Therapy can provide support when a person is struggling.

                  If a person has a mental health condition, therapy, in some form, is often a part of the treatment plan.  These diagnoses would include major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other mental diagnoses. Therapy helps people learn to manage these disorders. 

A Look at a Therapy Session

                  In the first appointment the therapist will spend some time getting to know the person and their needs. First, the therapist will ask about the person’s needs and concerns. The first session is used to begin to establish trust. The therapist will likely take a history. They will ask about current symptoms, emotions, and struggles. The therapist will ask about past therapy experiences. A good therapist with explain how the therapy will work and explain their treatment approach. A plan for session frequency and goals for therapy will be established. 

                  Later appointments will vary depending on the type of therapy being provided. Many therapy sessions are centered around discussions between the therapist and the person receiving therapy. Usually, a focus is established to guide the session. This might look like the person expressing a need and the therapist guiding a discussion and providing support. Often, the therapist and person will talk through emotions, experiences, or challenges. Together they work on coping strategies and problem-solving skills. The therapist may assist the person in working through unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors. Work on interpersonal relationships might be a part of therapy. Sessions vary depending on the person’s need. Those needs can change over time. 

                  Therapy is a two-way process. It requires work from both the person receiving therapy and the therapist. Both need to be active participants. In this process the therapist provides guidance and expertise, while the person should do their best to be open and share what they are experiencing and what they need. When a person is struggling with depression or other mental illness this can be difficul. In these moments being present and doing the best you can is important. It is important for the therapist to create a safe, structured environment where discussions can take place. The therapist can provide support and guide the person. It is the therapist’s role to identify patterns in thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. They then provide coping skills, emotional regulation techniques, and communication strategies. The therapist can help the person practice these strategies. 

                  The person in therapy shares what they are going through. This would include experiences, symptoms, thoughts, and concerns. It is important for the person to be honest. No one needs to hide anything from a therapist. In therapy there is no judgment. A key to successful therapy is for the person to practice the coping skills, emotional regulation techniques, and communication strategies that are being taught. A person in therapy needs to consistently attend sessions, be willing to engage in sessions even if it takes some time to develop this ability, and be patient with the process. Healing takes time. It does not happen overnight.

                  As I mentioned it can time for the therapy to really feel like it is working. Both the therapist and the person receiving therapy need to build trust. Therapy is most effective when both sides have worked to build a trust and communication. It is important to remember that the person receiving therapy can say something to therapist if something feels uncomfortable or if they are not ready to discuss a certain topic. There is no one size fits all approach to therapy. This is why both sides need to work at develop the therapeutic relationship. The therapist may need to change certain approaches or provide different strategies.

                  Healing takes time and it takes work. Mental illnesses are rarely improved without effort. Mental illnesses are complex, but with effort the therapy experience can be healing. 

The Rights of a Person Receiving Therapy.

                  Just as a person in a physical health situation has rights, so does a person receiving mental health care. If something does not feel right in the therapy session, it is okay to make your thoughts known. It is also okay to look for the right therapist. Sometimes the fit is just not there. A person might not find the first therapist they see to be the right one. So, a person might need to try a few therapists to find the one they click with. That is okay. 

                  If you have health insurance, you can ask for a list of therapists covered under your plan. One way to find a therapist is to look through therapist directories. You can do this online. Psychology Today Therapist Finder is one source you can use. Another source is SAMHSA Treatment Locator. You can also ask a trusted healthcare provider. Often, a primary care provider can help you get started. 

                  It is okay to interview a therapist before committing. Ask them about their experience with your condition. You can ask about their approaches with your condition. It is okay to ask any questions you might have. 

                  It is also important consider things like insurance coverage, cost, language and cultural competence, and gender or identity preference. You might also need to consider in-person versus telehealth options. These are all important considerations. You want to make sure that the therapist is right for you in every area.

Final Thoughts

                  Therapy is important when you live with mental illness. I have been in therapy for decades. For me, therapy is an integral part of my treatment. It is my lifeline. Over the years my therapist and I have developed a relationship that allows trust on both ends. I know that I can trust him with anything I am experiencing. I think he knows that I would reach out to him if I had thoughts of harming myself. In fact, there have been times when I have reached out to him when my depression has pushed me to the point of wanting to hurt myself. The fact that he has been there has saved my life. I know this may sound like I am overexaggerating, but having a therapist and a mental health team you can rely on is so important. It can be lifesaving. 

 

Self-Care in the Mental Health World

             Today I would like to revisit self-care. I wrote about it last June (Self-Care Ideas for When You Are Struggling with Depression) but I think it is worth revisiting. At its very core self-care is doing things to take care of yourself. We all need to take care of ourselves. Unfortunately, in the hustle and bustle of life, caring for ourselves often gets lost. Self- care is important for everyone. Today I would like to focus on two groups of people. First, individuals with depression and other mental illnesses. Second, I will address the need for mental healthcare professionals to ensure that they are engaging in self-care.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health.” On the surface this seems like a simple task, but for many of us it is difficult to prioritize self-care. Living with mental illness can make engaging in self-care even more difficult. The depression tells us not to get out of bed. It tells us that self-care is not worth the energy it requires. Depression and other mental illnesses tell us that we are not going to get better even if we engage in self-care activities. We are up against a mountain of reasons not to take care of ourselves. But mental illness is a liar. If we can just get ourselves to start, we would find that we will do so much better. 

What does self-care include? Really there are no limits to what can be considered self-care. It depends on the individual. In general, self-care includes getting enough sleep, but not too much, regular exercise, eating healthily, engaging in relaxing activities, setting goals and priorities, thinking positively, and staying connected. Sounds easy, right? I wish it was. When you struggle with mental illness, these basic routines can become difficult. Try focusing on one to start with. 

There are times when I can only focus on one aspect of self-care. Those are the times when my depression is bad. At these times I need to pick one self-care routine to focus on. Maybe it is exercising regularly. For me that looks like taking walks several times a week. It can be difficult to drag myself onto the sidewalk when I am feeling down. I need to remind myself that I will feel better, even if only slightly, afterwards. This helps me get my feet going. I have found that linking exercise with goalsetting helps me. So, I use the notes app on my phone to track how many times I walk each week. This allows me to see that I am really doing it, which builds my self-esteem. That in turn helps lift my depression.

Self-care is important when you live with mental illness. It helps you climb out of the pit that so often we fall into. It allows us to feel positives. Sleep, healthy eating habits, exercise, and regular engagement are all things that can help us when we are struggling. Start small. Don’t pressure yourself to jump in and do everything. That is likely to result in failure. Starting small allows us to see the positives and experience the successes. Whatever self-care looks like to you, make an effort to do it for your mental health. 

What about mental healthcare professionals? Why is self-care so important for these individuals? According to an article by Posluns and Gall, there is a prevalence of stress, burnout, and professional impairment among mental healthcare professionals. These authors found that self-care is important for mental healthcare professionals. Think about it. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists (and other mental healthcare professionals) work with people who are often struggling. They see people at their lowest and help them cope with or overcome their mental illnesses. These professionals see a lot of struggle. They are expected to express caring in a relationship where the client is often not capable, or at least not expected to, return that care. That can take a toll on someone. 

According to Posluns and Gall a mental health practitioner must be well themselves in order to provide care to patients/clients. This obviously requires engaging in self-care. Posluns and Gall cite the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists, which states that psychologists should “engage in self-care activities that help to avoid conditions (e.g., burnout, addictions) that could result in impaired judgment and interfere with their ability to benefit and not harm others”.

The same guidelines I provided above for self-care apply to mental healthcare professionals. Self-care may look different for mental healthcare professionals because they are not dealing with the difficulties of mental illness. The important thing is that the professional carves out time in their day for themselves. They need to make an active attempt to engage in self-care. Likely they are encouraging their patients/clients to engage in self-care. The mental healthcare professional needs to lead by example. This doesn’t mean they need to share what they are doing with their patients. The fact that they are engaging in self-care will be evident from their overall well-being and lack of burnout. 

Self-care is part of healthy living for everyone. People with mental illness may need more support to engage in self-care. We can all take small steps to improve our lives through self-care. Take a moment to examine what you are doing. Can you take a step to engage in a self-care activity?  If you are already engaging in self-care activities, can you add to what you are already doing? 

We are all worthy of care. It starts with us. We need to take steps to care for ourselves. That is how we all can become healthier. 

For tips on self-care activities see my previous post, (Self-Care Ideas for When You Are Struggling with Depression).

 

Source: Posluns, K., & Gall, T. L. (2020). Dear Mental Health Practitioners, Take Care of Yourselves: a Literature Review on Self-Care. International journal for the advancement of counseling, 42(1), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10447-019-09382-w

 

 

                  

A Winding Road

                  Struggling with depression is difficult. I have been through a rough section of the road that is depression recently. Often during the last few weeks, I have found myself headed downhill. At times I have been stuck in the road. I have not known where to turn. The GPS in my head has been confused about which way to turn and how to find my way back to my baseline mood. This is depression.

                  I think a road is an apt description because with depression we are often in different places. The darkness feels different depending on our mental location. I have lived with this monster for almost 40 years now. Despite the length of time I have known depression, it still has the ability to sneak up on me and the ability to confuse me. At times I don’t know where the depression is taking me. I know I am in the darkness, and I still frequently find myself on unfamiliar roads. 

                  Right now I know I am headed towards healing, but still I struggle. It takes time and patience to get through a depressive episode. When I don’t know where to turn or where I am headed, I need maps. I need to be able to rely on an outside guide to lead me through darkened roads. Luckily, as I have mentioned many times, I have a mental health team to support me through the depression. They talk to me; give me advice. Their support provides a map to guide me on my road to healing. Even with their help, it takes time to maneuver along the winding road of depression. Despite this, a part of me knows I will make it. That is what keeps me going.

                  Depression is a road. We are never in one place for long. Our tires may get stuck in a muddy patch, but we eventually move on if we don’t give up. Sometimes we need a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist to give us a push in the right direction. That is okay. It is the reason they are there for us. 

                  For me the last few weeks have been a struggle and there have been moments when I wondered if I would find the right road. I wondered if the depression was too much this time. Fortunately, I know from experience that I will get through these times. Actually, I’m not sure “fortunately” is the right word. I wish I had never been through those times, but they are my reality. I have gotten through them. I am still on the road. I am still traveling toward healing. The road of depression is difficult. It is part of an illness that tries to tear us down. I know I am not on the road I need to be on yet, but I am nearing it. With a little help, I will make the correct turn and head toward the light. My wish is that if you find yourself lost in depression that you will reach out to mental health care professionals and allow them to direct you onto the right road. 

 

Signs You Might Need to Talk to a Therapist

                Therapy.  The word conjures up many misleading ideas   There is stigma attached to therapy.  Often, people hide the fact that they go to therapy because of this stigma.  We need to break down the stigma.  Going to therapy should be as normalized as going to the gym or a yoga session for physical health.  Seeing a therapist should be seen as just as important as seeing a doctor for physical health. 

                  I have been in therapy all my adult life.  You may wonder if it works why do I have to continue to go.  I have a mental illness.  It needs to be treated.  Therapy is part of my treatment.  I work on different things with my psychologist.  As my journey with depression continues, I find that I need support with different things. Therapy provides that support.  It is a vital part of my treatment.  

                  What are some signs that seeing a therapist might be beneficial to you?  Having a mental health diagnosis is one sign.  Although not everyone with a mental illness finds it necessary to work with a therapist.  As with physical illnesses, mental illness is individualized, and treatment plans can vary from person to person.  

Some reasons to consider therapy include:

 

·      Depression

·      Anxiety

·      Feeling overwhelmed

·      Overwhelming emotions

·      Loss of interest in activities

·      Anger

·      Relationship issues/struggles

·      Mood affecting relationships and/or work

·      Grief

·      A specific phobia

·      Isolation

·      Destructive behaviors

·      Substance abuse

 

 

The above are just some reasons a person might need to consider therapy.  People

go to therapy for many reasons.  Sometimes it is short-term.  Other times it can be for longer periods.  Again, it is based on the individual.  

                  How do you get in to see a therapist?  One way is to talk to your primary care provider and ask for a referral.  You can also do a Google search for therapists in your area and start making calls to see who has openings for new patients.  It might be necessary to call your insurance provider and ask for a list of therapists in their network.  If you don’t have insurance, there are many therapists who don’t deal with insurance.  You can also contact NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) for help finding a therapist.  If you are in a crisis situation, call 988, the mental health hotline.

 

                  What should you look for in a therapist?

 

                  I consider myself lucky because I have a great therapist. He is a psychologist.  Some therapists are psychologists.  Some are MFTs.  See my post my March 7^th post – Different Types of Mental Health Professionals for more information on the different types of therapists.  

                  A good therapist will listen to you.  They will give you the space to talk.  Therapists use different strategies to help you work on what you need.  You want a therapist you feel comfortable with. You should feel safe with your therapist.  Setting goals is an important part of therapy.  It is also important to have a therapist who is willing to work as part of a team, especially if you also have a psychiatrist or if your primary care provider is involved in your mental health.  I have found the team approach to be vital to my journey.  

                  Only you can determine if the therapist is right for you.  There is nothing wrong with deciding you need a different therapist if you feel one isn’t right for you.  It is important that you feel comfortable enough to open up to your therapist. If you can’t be open with your therapist, you won’t receive the benefits you need from therapy.  

                  I would be lost without my psychologist.  The therapy relationship is an important aspect of my treatment.  I know that I can talk to him about anything.  My comfort level allows me to trust, which in turn allows me to heal.  I know I can contact him when I am n crisis. Trust is key to the patient/therapist relationship.  

                  As I mentioned at the beginning, there is a stigma attached to therapy.  The more we normalize going to therapy, the more we can break down that stigma.  If you find yourself in need of therapy, please reach out and find a therapist.

 

Benefits of Therapy for Depression

         Depression is a real illness.  It requires treatment. Therapy is an important part of that treatment.  There are different types of therapy.  Some of types of therapy include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, humanistic therapy, integrative therapy, and interpersonal psychotherapy. In this post I will speak about therapy in general terms.  I will be referring to forms of psychotherapy or talk therapy.

The purpose of psychotherapy is to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.  This is usually done in a one-on-one setting.  The provider is a licensed mental health provider such as a therapist or psychologist.  Therapy can take place in group settings as well.

I have engaged in therapy most of my adult life.  Psychotherapy has helped me develop coping skills and allowed me to better understand the shifts in my mood that are beyond my control.  I find that my mood improves when I am able to discuss the events and emotions that lead to my depression.  In therapy I am guided to understandings of my thoughts.  When I have a better understanding of what my thoughts are telling me, I can cope better.  I find that just having an open and safe space to talk is beneficial.  

So, what are the benefits of psychotherapy?  There are many benefits.  These benefits depend on the person and what he, she, or they need.  Some common benefits include:

·      Improving overall mental health

·      Increasing self-awareness

·      Developing coping strategies

·      Developing healthier communication strategies

·      Confronting anxiety

·      Getting through a crisis

·      Developing healthy relationships

·      Navigating trauma

·      Easing of symptoms

 

All these benefits are important.  Improved overall mental health will lead to

improved quality of life and easing of symptoms. When we increase our self-awareness, we better understand what triggers us and what leads to changes in our mood.  Developing coping strategies is important because it teaches us how to function when our mood is trying to drag us down.  Healthy communication strategies allow us to express what we are going through, which can help loved ones understand us and offer help.  Developing healthy relationships is tied to this communication skills.  When we experience depression, it is difficult to maintain relationships.   Therapy can help in this area by providing us with communication skills and self-awareness. 

                  Therapy is especially important when we are in crisis or trying to navigate trauma.  Having a psychologist or therapist gives a person someone to reach out to in times of crisis.  In therapy we can learn strategies to take when we are in crisis.  For example, I have learned how identify that I am crisis and how to contact my psychologist in moments of crisis.  I have also learned that resources such as 988 are available as well.  Being in therapy has allowed me to develop an understanding that reaching out for help, whether it be from my mental health team or 988 is not only important, but it is okay.

The benefits of therapy can be instrumental when living with depression.  We cannot overcome depression on our own.  Therapy is a key part of healing.  Some people benefit from short-term therapy.  Others need it throughout their lives.  For me therapy is as necessary as my blood pressure medication.  I need therapy as a routine part of my life.  It is a part of my healthcare.  I don’t miss my therapy sessions because I know it affects my healing. 

                  People often say just deal with it, buck up and be strong.  There are social media posts that encourage people to just push through.  We are told to smile or just get through it.  Depression does not respond to that mentality.  It is not possible to just grin and bear it.  People with depression need treatment and part of that treatment is therapy.  Going to therapy needs to be normalized.  We go to the doctor when we have the flu or other illness.  In the same way that going to the doctor is normal, we need to make it normal to go therapy.  The stigma that exists around going to therapy needs to be lifted.  It is okay to go to therapy.  Therapy is necessary treatment for people with mental illnesses such as depression.  

                  Today there are avenues to therapy that didn’t exist a few years ago. Many therapists are available for online sessions.  There are therapists’ groups who advertise on social media.  In addition, primary care providers can refer you to a therapist.  If you are affected by depression, therapy can provide you with many benefits. There is no shame in going to therapy. I wouldn’t be able to write posts or maintain this blog if it were not for therapy.  Therapy has improved my quality of life.  I encourage anyone who is struggling or even just needs some help to seek out therapy.

 

 

                  

 

 

 

 

Different Types of Mental Health Professionals

                  When you are first looking for help with a mental health disorder, the number of different mental health professionals can be confusing.  In today’s post I will try to make sense of some of the options.  I am not a mental health professional.  By no means is this list meant to be authoritative or exhaustive.  I am a person with lived mental illness experience who has seen several professionals about my illness.  My intent in sharing this information is to provide assistance to those trying to navigate the mental health system.  It can be an overwhelming process especially when a person is struggling.

                  You may need more than one of these professionals.  I have a team that includes four members.  That is not always necessary.  From my personal perspective, each member of my mental health team adds to my treatment and healing and are instrumental.  I believe a team approach is beneficial to living with mental illness. 

                  Let’s look at some different mental health professionals.

Psychiatrist

                  A psychiatrist is a licensed medical doctor.  They are either an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine).  Psychiatrists have completed a residency training in psychiatry.  They address both the mental and physical aspects of mental illness.  Psychiatrists diagnose mental health conditions.  Once they have diagnosed a patient, psychiatrists prescribe and monitor medication.  They also can provide therapy.  Psychiatrist can also prescribe alternative treatments for mental illnesses including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), ketamine, and electric convulsive treatment (ECT).  

 

Psychologist

                  A psychologist has a doctorate degree in clinical psychology.  This can be a Ph.D. or a Psy.D.  They are licensed by their state.  Psychologists evaluate a person’s mental health.  They use clinical interviews, psychological evaluations, and tests.  A psychologist uses the information they gain from these tools to make a diagnosis.  They provide individual and group therapy.  Psychologist often use psychotherapy (talk therapy) with patients.  Some types of therapy used by psychologists include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectal behavior therapy (DBT), interpersonal therapy, humanistic therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. 

 

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

                  A psychiatric nurse practitioner has a Master of Science (MS) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in nursing with a specialized focus in psychiatry.  They have either PMHNP-BC, which is board certification in psychiatric nursing, or they have NCLEX, which is National Council Licensure Examination.  Psychiatric nurse practitioners provide assessment, diagnosis, and therapy for patients with mental illness or substance use disorders.   Depending on their state, they can prescribe and monitor medication.  A psychiatric nurse practitioner blends nursing and psychiatric expertise when treating patients.  

 

Therapists/Counselors

                  Therapists and counselors have a master’s degree (MS or MA).  They can evaluate a person’s mental health.  When working with individuals they use therapeutic techniques based on specific training programs.  There is different licensing for therapists and counselors.  LPC stands for Licensed Professional Counselor.  LMFT stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. LCADAC stands for Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor.   Therapists work with people on understanding their thoughts, feelings, and choices.  

 

Social Worker

                  A social worker has a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.  These professionals can evaluate a person’s mental health.  They use therapeutic techniques based on specific programs. Social workers are trained in case management and advocacy services.  Their role is often to empower individuals with mental illness to lead lives that are fulfilling and independent.  

 

Primary Care Provider

                  A primary care provider (PCP) is a doctor (MD), physician’s assistant (PA), or nurse practitioner (NP).  This provider can prescribe medication.  They can refer a patient to providers who specialize in mental health.  In the best scenarios a primary care provider works with other mental health professionals to provide the quality care.

 

                  Often, the first line of defense against mental illness is the primary care provider.  They are usually the provider who is going to see the patient most often prior to diagnosis.  Primary care providers should screen for mental health disorders and refer patients to the appropriate mental health care provider.  Once the patient has a mental health care provider, the PCP should work collaboratively with that provider to ensure the patient’s care.  

                  I have seen all the above providers except a social worker.  In my experience the best mental health professionals are the ones who listen not only to what the patient is saying, but also to what the patient is not saying.  They are empathetic and patient centered.  High-quality mental health care professionals treat the whole patient by being aware of their needs.  They ask meaningful questions.  They are not quick to slap a label on a person.  Instead, they see the person as an individual with an illness that they can treat.  

                  It is important to be comfortable with your mental health providers.  It is okay to try out professionals to ensure you have the right fit.  Being able to talk to your mental health care provider is crucial.  Even if you are not someone who is comfortable talking, there needs to be a comfort in the communication you have with your provider.  A good provider will support you in the communication aspects of treatment.  Don’t worry if you try a mental health provider and don’t feel there is a fit.  But make sure you try someone else. Don’t give up because a provider didn’t meet your needs.  We all deserve high-quality mental health care providers.  The right one for you is out there.  As an example, I have seen several psychiatrists over the years.  I had to learn that it was okay to change psychiatrists.  I have finally found the right one.  You will know when you have the right provider.  Trust yourself. 

                  There are a lot of great mental health providers out there.  If you are looking for one, ask your medical group for the names of providers.  You can ask your PCP to recommend someone.  There are also a lot of new ways to find a provider online, but that is for another post.  It is my hope that everyone can find the high-quality mental health providers like I have found.  It truly makes a difference.