Depression

I just want to acknowledge you for the courage to take the step to get support. It can be overwhelming to have so many things going on, and it might be hard to figure out where to start. I truly believe that one of the biggest advantages to working with a therapist is that a therapist can help you... more

You have been through so much - sounds like you are very resilient! And how brave of you to consider exploring counseling for the first time. Based on what you shared, I would encourage you to seek out a therapist who specializes in trauma, which can often show up as depressive and anxiety symptoms... more

I've never heard of someone having "too many issues" for therapy to be effective. A competent therapist will assist you in identifying the root causes of your problems and treat those first. If the underlying issues are addressed, your various symptoms should improve. For example, a history of... more

It's not really a question of whether you have too many issues for counseling but more what would you like to work on in counseling? You control the direction of sessions and depending on how you're feeling in a particular day can predict what direction that session takes. If you want to work on all... more

Give yourself a little more credit for self-observation!You wrote about treating people horribly and not realizing it. Only if you truly didn't realize what you were doing, then you wouldn't be able to write about it.A little self-examination goes a long way.You have some basic clues about yourself... more

I'm sorry to hear that's how he's responding, that doesn't sound very helpful or validating of your emotions or respectful of your boundary to to communicate differently with you about your feelings and mental health. Ask if he's willing to read a book on communication with you (Gottman's "... more

This is something that would be really awesome to get your healthcare team to collaborate with you on. Discuss medications and any lifestyle adjustments with your primary care provider (PCP); have your PCP do a full bloodwork up to check vitamin levels and thyroid functioning; have your OBGYN or... more

It's hard to answer this without knowing more specifically the anxiety and depression symptoms you are experiencing - but typically treatment for anxiety and depression is multi-faceted. Going to therapy, working with your primary care doctor to check for (and treat) any physical factors, learning... more

I am so sorry to hear that you are experiencing this. It can be really hard to deal with our family dynamics, especially when you feel this way and are being told these things. I would encourage you to keep in touch with people who support you, whether that is friends, a group or club you are... more

Why do I feel empty?Feelings of emptiness—a lack of meaning or purpose—are experienced by most people at some point in life. However, chronic feelings of emptiness, feelings of emotional numbness or despair, and similar experiences may be symptomatic of other mental health concerns, such as... more