Bipolar Type II Support Group

Does everybody see a therapist too or just a pdoc? I have posted a few times and am recently diagnosed and trying to figure out what I need to do. Just curious what everybody else has done that has worked?

Its a matter of preference and need if that. I personally no longer see one myself. I did for a long time but just didnt feel a need for one anymore. I didnt have anything to talk about, they would always want to dig back into my past and that is not something that I had a problem with. Many people with diseases like myself and Chronic Illnesses they say should seek counseling to work through it but its really a matter in how you are coping with it. I have my own coping mechanisms and a very strong support system in my husband and friends here, I am very strong and positive regarding my illnesses, if I werent I would reconsider it. If you feel you would benefit from speaking to a therapist like many others do then its a great idea. It doesnt hurt, it can be therapeutic especially when dealing with a new diagnosis.

I believe seeing a therapist can be very beneficial, especially when first diagnosed.

But then again, I believe EVERYONE should see a therapist... especially the "norms"!!! If everyone had to see a therapist in their life, I have a feeling this world would be a VERY different/better place. Everyone has problems/issues/struggles, and it can really help to have an "unbiased" third party that's trained to help you sort through everything.

Also if everyone saw a therapist there would be no stigma behind seeing a therapist (and therapists would be a lot richer...haha).

Keep in mind I have a degree in Psychology so I may be biased a little. I know for some people, seeing a therapist causes more anxiety then it's worth (how about we start demanding home therapy...or wait, would we really want therapists in our home). Things that make you go hmmmmm....

With my illnesses and when I was very very sick about a year ago, I called a Therapist for my 3 daughters just to make sure THEY were handling everything ok and not keeping anything from me to spare my feelings. I told them to talk to her about anything they wanted it was all private, just to look at her as a friend to confide in. I just wanted to nip any problems in the bud. Health related issues in a parent can cause alot of stress in children of course I was just looking out for my kids. Anyhow it was cool she came right to our home and did the sessions. Certain time frame for each of them and then a group session with the 3 of them to play a game and talk to each other together. It was really good for them but it didnt last too long because she said the were fine and handling things really well and had nothing to talk about. All they did was colored and played games, they werent interested in it anymore either so we ended up ending the sessions early. I am glad I did that to at least ensure that I hadnt damaged my children with being a walking illness. As I said I have been in therapy myself and just dont feel I need it. Many people do and I agree especially when you are first diagnosed it is important. I have coping mechanisms on how to deal with my issues.

I found therapy very useful when I was first diagnosed and in an extremely stressful work situation. I was not coping very well and that was my life line. Then in July this year I went into a clinic for a month, where I worked intensively on where my issues had come from and how to heal, how to live. This was with the help of a therapist; without her I wouldn't be where I am today.

Now, however, I don't see her anymore. I am stable and don't feel the need. Should a crisis arise, I will go to her straight away. Or come here

My opinion is that therapy is valuable in the first stages of diagnosis. To help you come to terms with the effects, reality, and how it could affect your life and relationships. Also to find some of the emotions, events etc that cause you pain or trigger feelings.

I wish you alll the best. Bridget

I went to therapy for 3 years and now I go when I think I need to. It really helped me deal with my past and all my issues. It also helped me understand about my illness and how to deal with it in a positive way.

I mentioned the issues in the My Story-shor version of a long strtory post. If you would read that it could give you an idea ho just how much therapy can help a person. For me it was a real eye opening experience.

I go to a therapist once a week and I think it is very beneficial for me. I am still working out issues in my past and am still pretty newly diagnosed (2 yrs) and I need all the help I can get. She helps me with coping skills and gives me Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to use when I'm having irrational or extreme thoughts due to this disease. I also have a separate anxiety disorder that I need help with as well. I think it's especially important to see a therapist if you are in a relationship and are BP. My husband goes to my therapy appointments with me about once a month as a check in and it helps him to understand me and this disease. It aslo give him a chance to express any concerns he may have.

I saw a tdoc for about a year when i was first diagnosed. Haven't seen one in about 4 years tho. just the pdoc now.

I think that the little time I spent in therapy when I was first diagnosed was useful. And I hate therapy. I always have. But it does help you to learn coping skills and gives you the opportunity to talk out some of what you are feeling being first diagnosed.

I have BPII & GAD therapy really helped out there is no doubt in my mind. Its one of the best gifts I gave myself.