As part of my sobriety journey, I have been trying to seek more professional support to address my mental health challenges. I am US based, does anyone else find mental health support an absolute uphill battle? Between finding providers that take in new patients, sky high medication prices and very outdated counselling methods, I am finding it hard to keep going. Any words of advice?
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Mental health is a journey, that’s for sure.
What are your goals? If you had a magic wand and could have what you want, what would it be? Be specific. Be as specific as you can. You can write it out in sentences if you want, or if you prefer, you can write it as a list.
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Like Matt said, definitely a journey. I’ve seen countless therapists, tried countless medications, and am still settling into a comfortable mental health routine. Finding a therapist is like dating; you’ll break up and try a new one until you find somebody you like. Don’t settle for a therapist you don’t vibe with. It’s tough, but worth it. Try googling therapists near you and see who takes a sliding scale or insurance. Call and email around and see who might be a good fit for you. I always go into it specifying my needs, and the kind of therapist I’d like to see, (is around my age, is fluent in these issues, etc) and eventually you’ll whittle it down and find a healthy relationship with your mental health. Don’t give up!
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Oh man, this made me quit a few times. My insurance kept sending me to a third party that was complete trash. I pay a few hundred a month for my insurances so I expect good coverage.
Even now, if I want to set something up with my therapist or a counselor…I have to wait like 2 months. Sometimes more. It sucks but thats just how it is.
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Most people in AA think they are mentally ill to some extent when really it’s just a symbol that there are issues that need to be worked through.
I found my solution in a certain type of meeting where everybody said they also felt the same once, but I saw that they were well.
They were all really doing the work.
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I struggle as well. Along with addiction issues I have severe anxiety and depression. Been getting help with it for about 4/5 years. Can’t say anything has worked really but I’m still here trying
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Here’s also one who is struggling. I’m bipolar, borderline and I have anxiety disorder. I’m taking meds and I have a good therapist connection, but it took some time to find a good therapist. I’m still feeling like shit after all these years, but I don’t know where I would be without my support network from health care etc. Recovery and getting health mentally is indeed a journey into the darkness where the light resides, ready to come to the surface. But all the pain and suffering through revealing all the traumas are worth it in the end. I truly hope you’ll find a good therapist and get all the help you deserve.
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