I Want To Progress

[FunkyMonkey]

I've been suffering from my illness for as long as I can remember (which is only about 6 years, I'm 18), and I'm tired of it. I want to be happy, but I have no idea where to start.

I guess I'm supposed to go to a therapist for this sorta thing or something, but I'm financially independent (abandonded), so I have nowhere else to turn but this forum, where do I start?

<Basic grammar edited by cherryblossom>

 

[intothelight]

Hi FunkyMonkey,

I don't know if you are in the US or not, but many states have community mental health clinics that operate on a sliding fee scale based on income. You might want to check there and see what services are available, as having a therapist (T) is extremely helpful.

This site also has a lot of information about PTSD and different ways to manage/cope with symptoms. Some of the most basic lifestyle changes are very helpful such as eating right, exercising and getting enough sleep.

I hope you can find some things that will help you.

Take care.
Debbie

 

[Srain]

Welcome FunkyMonkey,

I agree with Intothelight, getting a therapist would be very good step towards getting not only additional support but the needed help for your PTSD symptoms. This site has a lot of support and information so you will want to look around as well.

take good care,
peace,
Rain

 

[Nighthawk]

Yes having a therapist and esspecialy one that deals in trauma is a good way to start the process. You may want to look into the local colleges phyc departments many of them offer counceling services to the public. There also might be a program that is geared towards anxiety and trauma. I am glad you took the first step and opened yourself to the forum.

good luck, hope to see you around.

NH

 

[FunkyMonkey]

Will i have to pay any money? Because tbh I can't afford a therapist. I'm working hard at getting a job and I'm trying to go to college but they say i have to do to a dependency overide so i've hit a brick wall on that. I don't qualify for anything other than minimal food stamps because I'm 18 and I don't have a kid..Try telling the wisom teeth that are coming up under my molars to just wait till I'm 21:( And i rant..

 

[ronin47]

Have you looked into group therapy? Those are sometimes less expensive than individual therapy. Ask around in your community. Talk to people. Ask therapists if they will charge clients on a sliding scale. Speak with your local hospital. There could very well be an answer out there, but you will not know unless you ask.

 

[jka37]

FunkyMonky,

Peets Coffee and Tea has great benefits. Keep working at getting a job, maybe your benefits will carry you through. I'm so sorry

 

[Rene']

I also would like to have counseling but, I cannot afford it. Our local Mental Health Center has a sliding fee but, even with no income they charge more than I can afford. I have been searching online for programs and came across NAMI's (National Alliance on Mental Illness) website. They have support groups listed locally but, not in my hometown. I am still going to try to contact one of the groups and see if it is an option for me. You might try checking their website to see if there are groups that meet in your area.

 

[Helliepig]

If you are in the UK your doctor should be able to refer you into a mental health team. NHS therapy varies and isn't always long term enough but its a good place to start. And there are charities that work on a sliding scale of charges depending on what you can afford.

In my experience, starting makes all the difference. It's like a journey, you start from a certain position and do what you can and work with what you've got, over time things change, what you need changes. I also think "when the pupil is ready, the master appears" - in other words, other opportunities or ways to move forward will open up over time if you take the step and start somewhere.

I've been thru counselling, psychotherapy, group therapy and 2 EMDR consultants, (the last one I feel will take me the whole way, but who knows?) In each step i learnt a lot - probably as much as I could face at the time, and the early therapists who didn't quite scratch the itch got me ready to face the big stuff later on. And all the time I was moving forward.
I'm sorry you're hurting so much, but there is hope x

 

[Srain]

I know that the NAMI sometimes have Connection groups or they could help you start one-contacting people in your area that are interested, NAMI is worldwide. The other option is checking out churches or rape clinics for referrals. Churches are surprisingly helpful and are beginning to help set up for PTSD, some not all. The School should offer Student Counseling services as well. I believe this is still an option.

I would just ask ask ask. I have done so and probably will again.

Good luck and just keep trying.

Peace,
Rain

 

[jka37]

If you go to a school counseling center, make sure you communicate to them the symptoms you have and your need for help with trauma and ptsd. The school counseling center I went to for 3 years totally missed my PTSD symptoms even though I talked about this stuff happening. Just be direct about what you need and find out if they can offer it. And again, therapy is still good if they can't offer it, because at least you aren't alone.

 

[FunkyMonkey]

I appreciate all the replies and I'm starting to look around, I think I'm gonna to my DHS caseworker and see if they know of any ways.