Your experience with professional help, thoughts, expectations?

[petmom]

Hi guys

I really did not ever intend to post in the recovery section when joining this forum. Um, basically, something convinced me today to take a step to reach out to professional help. After years.

Basically, apparently, it's sort of at crisis point. I'm not sure how I'm making it through 2026, honestly, so it's like last resort for me

I'm pretty shy and can be socially anxious. I've been this way since childhood. When you're like this, with poor mental health, and low self esteem, maybe sensitive, reaching out at all is a battle

Tbh idk if this will even go well. I still don't wanna be here. I'm obviously terrified. I'm kind of hating it at the same time…

Just asking and venting. Are there any decent and positive experiences people here have with professionals? What to expect? How do you guys deal with nerves? I'm just, new, and lost, and scared

On another note, I don't actually know if I'm making it out of here alive. I'm not sure how to mention the suicidality and extent of it, and if that's a good idea. I'll probably wait, listen, chat and see

I was just putting this out here. Thanks for reading and any responses peace to you all

 

[EmptyBottle]

My experience with a psychologist was moderately helpful. The psychologist explained a bit about fight-flight-freeze (not just fight or flight), provided strategies for me to use that Dad wrote down, listened to me as I described primary/high school* concerns, and discussed them with me.

Having Dad there to take notes was helpful for the earlier visits, though in the last visit, I held back on some concerns (was concerned about some discussion I had potentially leading to harm) because Dad was in the room. Might've been able to make more of the last visit if I had some private time (eg part of the session) to discuss stuff, if only I expressed that request then all might've understood.

As for dealing with nervousness, consider writing the discussion points down, so you can read from the notes or even show them to the professional. This will also help you remember what to say.

As for what to expect, I'd say... a listening ear, some advice (so bring something to write the advice down), and maybe even suggestions on what to do next. You can ask about their mandatory reporting obligations before discussing suicide, etc... I haven't discussed that, partially because I don't want to disappoint or worry the psychologist (although I think the psychologist might be ok with the discussion... it's not like she was overly concerned or disappointed during sessions), and the CTB wishes weren't as strong as they were during early Year 12 (2022) and October 2024 (uni) or so.

* I'm 21 now. Run my typing through age estimation software to help confirm.

 

[petmom]

My experience with a psychologist was moderately helpful. The psychologist explained a bit about fight-flight-freeze (not just fight or flight), provided strategies for me to use that Dad wrote down, listened to me as I described primary/high school* concerns, and discussed them with me.

Having Dad there to take notes was helpful for the earlier visits, though in the last visit, I held back on some concerns (was concerned about some discussion I had potentially leading to harm) because Dad was in the room. Might've been able to make more of the last visit if I had some private time (eg part of the session) to discuss stuff, if only I expressed that request then all might've understood.

As for dealing with nervousness, consider writing the discussion points down, so you can read from the notes or even show them to the professional. This will also help you remember what to say.

As for what to expect, I'd say... a listening ear, some advice (so bring something to write the advice down), and maybe even suggestions on what to do next. You can ask about their mandatory reporting obligations before discussing suicide, etc... I haven't discussed that, partially because I don't want to disappoint or worry the psychologist (although I think the psychologist might be ok with the discussion... it's not like she was overly concerned or disappointed during sessions), and the CTB wishes weren't as strong as they were during early Year 12 (2022) and October 2024 (uni) or so.

* I'm 21 now. Run my typing through age estimation software to help confirm.

I'm also in uni! I'm doing it through my school as well. I'm in third year. Also, today I learned about age detection software! It said I'm 25-35 lmao. Thank you for your kind and helpful reply

 

[MapleS]

It worked. Therapy makes better
Meds good but sleepy
(my mind too sponge to english)