So I came on here a while ago looking for encouragement to get myself some help. Since then, I've been to one session with a "talk" therapist and one with the "med guy" from the same practice. I was impressed with both. They both confirmed the PTSD diagnosis within one session. The current plan is "talk therapy" once a week, along with a low dose of Valium, and Xanax as needed. Those were the meds I requested because they have worked best for me in the past with the fewest side effects.
The "talk therapy" is going to start with strategies for managing anxiety day-to-day, like staying grounded to avoid disassociation, and how to cope with panic attacks. She wants to move into trust issues and even grief counseling later on, but has said she plans to take it slow since I have been misused by the system in the past. She has a great way of listening, and being honest, without seeming at all condescending. I think it's going to go well.
The med guy and I agree on the idea that medication is "damage control" to ease the work done in talk therapy. He also wants me to get a thyroid test done as a precaution. I have never heard of that, but he says it can have a huge impact on mood, especially with anxiety. I've only ever heard of thyroid problems causing weight problems (My first reaction was to think "I'm a size 4-6...he can't be calling me fat...can he?")
I'm a little worried about revealing too much about my first abuser, especially since they both made it really clear that they are legally obligated to report child abuse. What do I do if they have to file a report? Will I have to talk to the police about it? Can I refuse? Will the police contact him?
Also, I ran into a coworker in the lobby. Awkard! I wasn't as embarassed as I thought I'd be, though...I mean he was there, too, right? Besides, I'm trying to rise above the stigma.
My goal now is to not allow myself to sabotage this chance. The last time I thought I might get into therapy, I got flighty and stopped showing up. I have a good thing going here, and I'm going to stick with it. One session at a time.
Thanks, by the way, for everybody who's encouraged me and helped me feel a little less alone through all this.
The "talk therapy" is going to start with strategies for managing anxiety day-to-day, like staying grounded to avoid disassociation, and how to cope with panic attacks. She wants to move into trust issues and even grief counseling later on, but has said she plans to take it slow since I have been misused by the system in the past. She has a great way of listening, and being honest, without seeming at all condescending. I think it's going to go well.
The med guy and I agree on the idea that medication is "damage control" to ease the work done in talk therapy. He also wants me to get a thyroid test done as a precaution. I have never heard of that, but he says it can have a huge impact on mood, especially with anxiety. I've only ever heard of thyroid problems causing weight problems (My first reaction was to think "I'm a size 4-6...he can't be calling me fat...can he?")
I'm a little worried about revealing too much about my first abuser, especially since they both made it really clear that they are legally obligated to report child abuse. What do I do if they have to file a report? Will I have to talk to the police about it? Can I refuse? Will the police contact him?
Also, I ran into a coworker in the lobby. Awkard! I wasn't as embarassed as I thought I'd be, though...I mean he was there, too, right? Besides, I'm trying to rise above the stigma.
My goal now is to not allow myself to sabotage this chance. The last time I thought I might get into therapy, I got flighty and stopped showing up. I have a good thing going here, and I'm going to stick with it. One session at a time.
Thanks, by the way, for everybody who's encouraged me and helped me feel a little less alone through all this.
