Depression

Starting counseling, and bringing in a lot can feel overwhelming; like you've brought too many full suitcases and it's scary to think about opening them all. My strategy would be to help you take inventory of all the areas you'd like to eventually work on and then prioritize what you'd like to work... more

A feeling of emptiness can cause depleting emotions to emerge. It would be important to identify the sources of emptiness.You may want to try to tap into more regenerating emotions. For example, you might want to think about what brings you joy or situations in which you experienced gratitude... more

My first question is what insurance do you have? Sometimes counselors can create a "superbill" for clients who are out-of-network, basically creating a receipt for services that the insurance company will then reimburse. Or maybe you could call your insurance company to see who would be in-network... more

If you're not following the goals you gave yourself, there are two possibilities.You don't really like your goals.You self-sabotage and prevent yourself from your own strengths and accomplishments.Think through each of these.If you've set goals which aren't true to your nature, then intuitively some... more

Good for you on being sensitive to your human need for personal evolution.Wife and mother are meaningful positions. And in your case, in order to feel your own growth, other areas of who you are would like your attention.Give yourself time to allow your interest to wander in order to find the area... more

It appears to me that you feel as if you have sacrificed your dreams and aspirations when you assumed the roles of wife and mother. Many women place all their energies into raising a family but like you, believe they have not self- actualized in the process. Your efforts and devotion appear to have... more

Feeling neglected in a romantic relationship can be pretty painful, so I don't think your response is anything out of the ordinary. I do wonder what you mean when you say you stress over everything and break down easily. Is that according to your own assessments or someone else's? What do those... more

What kinds of things help you to feel safe? I think it's great you've already tried a few things to help yourself sleep, even if they don't work. Those methods of coping could be targeting something other than paranoia--which is maybe why you aren't finding those things are helpful. If you are... more

What a heavy situation to be in. It must be really hard to feel like you aren't able to help your son and the help you do try to give isn't truly helping him or you. There's some things in this situation that are out of your control--what your son does, if he takes help or doesn't, and the... more

It is to your credit that you reached out for help on this platform. How to find someone to talk to would depend upon your lifestyle and worldview. Many people reach out to their faith community and others to friends, family, or seek help from a psychotherapist. If you live in a large, metropolitan... more