Posted by Emme on August 21, 2005, at 8:40:35
In reply to Hey folks, it's not just the MEDS, posted by DoYouKnowHim? on August 20, 2005, at 3:28:39
- Therapy is good for many. Maybe even most. I wouldn't make a blanket statement that everyone needs it.- I have benefitted from CBT and could continue to benefit. I won't negate the value of counseling. I have also been surprised at how much negative, distorted thinking has floated away when the meds work well. My thinking needs less "adjustment". I believe such a change in thinking is every bit real and valid as improvement from talk therapy.
- As someone pointed out, some don't need calming. They need perking up.
- Possible uses of therapy (mostly already stated, but I'll go ahead and register my opinion).
1) Dealing with your baggage. Heck, half the population could probably use that, depressed or not.
2) Managing psychosocial stressors in your everyday life. Also, managing the basics of living when you are in a bad way. That might not require continued therapy if you feel you've gotten the hang of good coping skills.
3) I agree with everyone else about coping with the mess and stress created by your disorder.
4) Keeping tabs on you. Having someone with a practiced eye keep track of your ups and downs, alert your pdoc if you're heading downhill, and provide input that might be helpful for diagnosis. I have found this to be very important.- I believe that meds without therapy is realistic for some. It may be most realistic after becoming stabilized on appropriate meds (or being able to discontinue meds) and/or after having had some support in therapy for any of the above reasons.
poster:Emme
thread:544171
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050821/msgs/544693.html