Anyone see a therapist?

Momtobug31 · October 2011

I realize this is a very personal question. . . but I am taking steps to finding a therapist/counselor. Aside from having PPD and being on medication - I really think I need to see someone for regular counseling sessions. I had issues before becoming a mom, but I think motherhood just amplified everything, and brought all my demons to the surface. I have depression in the family, and have been on Zoloft for years. But never had regular counseling/therapy sessions. Medication won't change my behavior, and that's the problem.

If you have gone through therapy, did it help and what type of therapist did you go to? In a nutshell, I have anxiety issues, and tend to lash out at my husband for not doing enough (even though he does his fair share). I play the martyr (even before being a mom), and always think I have to do everything. I have issues identifying my emotions, so anger tends to be how everything manifests. I don't know if I need to see a behaviorist (is that even a word?), a therapist, a counselor..... any insight? Thank you, ladies.

madhatter2003 · October 2011

Me. I saw one for about 2 years after DS was born. I'll send you a pm tomorrow with some details, but I had LOT of anxiety and could have written your bottom paragraph word for word. It was hands down the best decision I ever made and am convinced it completely changed my life and how I am as a mother overall.

I'm surprised they've let you be on meds for so long without seeing one to be honest. My doc made me see a therapist too as meds can only do so much, but like you said behavior doesn't always change without help.

I saw a social worker that specialized in therapy to new mothers and children (such as PPD, PPA, etc) and worked with a lot of working mothers. Talk about specific, but my family doc/kids pedi knew her and highly recommended her.

wheelsonthebus · October 2011

I think seeing a therapist is a great thing. I wish I still had time to go to one. I had depression and anxiety before I had DS and I saw a LICSW I believe. The Dr that gives you the Zoloft should be able to give you a few names. Good luck!

ladipale · October 2011

Seeing a therapist is the single best decision I've made in a long time. My OB gave me her name and number at my 2 week post op appt and I've been seeing her every 2 or 3 weeks since then, and I don't see an end in site. It is so healing. Its expensive for us (we get 50% back from insurance but its taking them forever to get us our money) but its well worth the cost. I'm learning so much about myself and how to deal with stuff.

mrsseguin · October 2011

Both myself and DH have each sought counseling in the past few years for separate issues. It really helped both of us. I also have many anxiety issues stemming from childhood and DH has depression. It helped both of us. You learn how to cope with situations, people and things in life. I learned a lot about myself when I went. I went for a few months. DH went to about 5-6 sessions and also benefited a lot from it. Good luck to you, I highly recommend talking to someone, it can only help IMO.

worleygirl · October 2011

I'm 31 now. When I was about 18 I had a depressive spell and took an anti-d for several years. I stopped at 25 because I was feeling better. At 27 I had another (very bad) setback and did meds with therapy. During that time I learned coping mechanisms that helped me greatly. 3 months PP I took meds as I could feel my anxiety creeping back in. About a year ago I had another bad spell and did meds with therapy again. I am still taking Zoloft but recently started tapering down. I seem to struggle in the fall (anniversaries of deaths, etc) and therapy has helped me learn to cope. I come from a family of anxious/depressed people but they all suffered in silence. I think that choosing to go to therapy was the best decision I ever made. I do believe that meds are beneficial (and for me, necessary at times) but just learning how to deal with your emotions is amazing. I can usually pinpoint what is wrong and make adjustments to deal with it. I found my person through the EAP at work. Be proud of yourself for choosing to deal with this head on.

SushiNoMore · October 2011

Me! I'm seeing one for PTSD related to my son's early birth, as well as a bunch of issues that have come up since then. I highly recommend it. I called my OB, and they gave me names of places to try. I was lucky that the counselor I'm seeing is free to me (postpartum therapy is paid for by the city), so I haven't had to pay anything out of pocket. It has been incredibly helpful.

Good luck! And, as the previous poster said, be proud of yourself for taking the first step.

gallegosdc · October 2011

I used to see a therapist many years ago and it definitely helped! I was diagnosed with PPD when my daughter was 2 months and I didn't go to a therapist (I should have). My dr. chalked my PPD to low progestrone level and put me on prometrium hormone replacement. I am doing much better now, but definitely have times of extreme anxiety and I also have issues with emotions that tend to come off as plain anger, too. Now that I'm working I think it will be extremely beneficial for me to see someone.

Reading your last paragraph, I definitely go through that often, especially when DH travels! Talk to your OB or your regular dr. and they can give you referrals for a therapist. I've been to one PPD support group and it was great. I only went once because DD screamed the whole 30 minute drive over there and I nearly had an anxiety attack (martyr raising hand!)

I think it's great you are looking to see someone, you're not alone on how you feel! If you jump over to the PPD board there are tons of gals who can offer support, too!

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