I have been trying to get in touch with a counseling center.

[coloradodem2005]

But there is never anyone at the intake phone. I left a message asking them to get in touch with me and so far I haven't heard back from them. What kind of place doesn't have someone manning that phone?

[steve2470]

1. Try another one near you. Someone will call you, trust me nt

[ClintonTyree]

2. What type of counseling?

Not to be nosy, but there are many types.

[coloradodem2005]

4. For Depression.

The fact that I am falling apart.

[ClintonTyree]

5. I'd try another one..............

or if there isn't any other around, call ANYBODY. But talk to someone about it, just the talking will keep it at bay for a while. Good luck. Depression sucks, but you can get through it.

If nothing else, just stay on-line here and keep in contact with we here at DU. But don't sit there alone and let things consume you. You've always got us. Hey, we're not much, but we're willing to help and listen. ;)

[Nikia]

3. That is a bad sign

The place where I started with recently has a 24/7 answering service. Would you really want a counselor from there if you could never/rarely get in contact with them? What if you needed to change and appointment or were having a crisis?
Is there a reason that you would have to go to this center (location, insurance reasons, cost)? If not, look through the yellow pages and schedule with counselors who answer or at least respond to their messages.

[peacebird]

6. Please try calling another one

you don't need a center that doesn't answer the phone!

Meanwhile you can hang here and talk to us, I have found that when it's important there's always someone at DU willing to offer an ear and a shoulder.

:hug:

hope it gets better soon, coloradodem2005.

[tigereye]

7. call your local Helpline, CD

they are in the phonebook and answer 24 hours. They can refer you to someone.

[xmas74]

8. You could always speak with the psychology dept

of your school. Mine offered free referrals and they were confidential.

[coloradodem2005]

9. I don't go to school anymore.

Because I did so poorly last semester. Furthermore, I wouldn't know if I could trust them. They may relay private information to people that could hurt me.

[xmas74]

10. That might be part of

why you are feeling depressed.
And they can't relay the info-it is confidential info and they could be sued for it, just like a regular therapy session.

[coloradodem2005]

11. Part. Not all.

I hate my life so much it is unbelievable.

[xmas74]

12. You'll be fine.

You need some time to figure out everything that is going on. Counselling will help.

[coloradodem2005]

13. I have been down for 2 years.

I don't feel like I will be fine. I don't seem to have a future. Nothing. Nothing worthwhile anyway. Except maybe working jobs that I despise that make me feel like I am subhuman. The thing is, on some level, I know I have accomplished some things, but it doesn't seem to matter. But anything that can reflect badly on me or that was a mistake or misstep, does matter a lot.

[xmas74]

23. That's why you need to go to a therapist.

They can help. I've been there.

[n2mark]

15. Please keep in touch with us

It helps just to write. Also, get yourself a notebook, write in it especially when things are not going well. Read what you wrote,
you may find some answers in your writing.

Call information and ask the operator for the number for Information and Referral, call the numbers given and tell them you need some counseling and want a referral, they will give you numbers to call.

Don't give up, I've been there before, just call Information and Referral. If worse turns to worse there are crisis centers that you can call, ask Information and Referral about this too.

[parsifal_e]

14. coloradodem2005 ... what can I say....

we're on the same boat .... I missed an exam last week (I'm a graduate student)... tried the counseling center at school ...they want me to just pop some antidepressants.

My wife tells me it's not a good idea , from her experience with her sister and uncle it makes things worse.

[n2mark]

17. I'm not sure if antidepressants is the answer

You need to talk and sort things out. If you can stay away from antidepressants great, but sometimes just for a short time you may not something. I'm not a doctor or physchiatrist, but talking is the best therapy.

[tjdee]

21. Anti-depressants should not be the first step, IMO.

I mean, I'd even try adjusting your diet before popping some pills.

Do therapists/counselors ask whether your diet is okay, anybody?
If you're only eating pizza and cake, for example (like me today!) no shit you're feeling like shit.

I know that's not really their job, but just thinking out loud.

[Nikia]

24. My current counselor asked about my diet and health

I don't think that they all do, but she thought that it was very pertainent since physical health does affect mental health and vice versa.

[steve2470]

25. Yes, we do. I need to ask about it more often, my bad. nt

[cally]

26. Don't give this advice unless you know the person and are in able

to evaluate their medical situation. Depression is a real medical crisis. Many need medications to survive. We all get down and start physical activity and improve our diet and get better. To equate this with severe depression is just wrong. Enough with being nice...don't tell a depressed person what to do unless you are there therapist. Otherwise you may "help" them so much that sink so low tht they see no way out. Get some knowledge about this please. education.

[steve2470]

28. My $0.02, even though no one asked me for it

What I do is this: I give my clients/patients the option of taking meds. Sometimes they can pull themselves out without it, sometimes they cannot. This is a fact that I have observed for many years. The other fact is that 80% of patients on A-D meds get better and escape the living hell that is clinical depression. Just my 2 cents.

[steve2470]

16. Also, call a local hospital. They should be able to refer you nt

[n2mark]

18. Another suggestion

how about taking a retreat? Just get away for a few days and think? But, the retreat should be the type where there are some counselors available for those attending the retreat to converse.

One of the important things for you to do is, eat healthy that is very important, take vitamins and Vit B12.

Have you talked with your med. doctor? You could have some type if chemical inbalance that inhances what is happening in your life.

[HEyHEY]

19. They aren't hard to contact - try another

[tjdee]

20. WHOO HOO!

Glad to hear this, please don't let this ass place deter you.

A friend of mine called a place and they said they'd "call her back" and let her know when her appointment was. ????? It took her a month to call another place. But now she's going and pretty pleased.

So glad to hear that you're going to see someone, I hope you find the right person.

[steve2470]

22. I agree. Don't give up. Tons of help out there, just be patient nt

[DemExpat]

27. Locking this now...

DU and its members are not qualified to help with depression, and out of care and concern hope that you get in contact with a counceling service or call this hotline number:
1-800-784-2433 - available 24 hours a day.

DU Moderator
DemExpat