What's next when talking therapy doesn't work?

[Fenellafudgeroni]

I've had periods of depression my entire life and am currently on meds and art therapy. In the past I've done general counselling and CBT. I had a couple of weeks off therapy over Easter and really dreaded going back today, mainly because I find it a bit of a waste of time. On paper I've had a pretty good life and have no terrible traumatic experiences to deal with, so I find myself talking about stuff that annoys me a bit or venting about something half-witted DH has done when 99% of the time our relationship is good.

I'm sick of feeling so low for no apparent reason. I feel like I have received terribly sad news but can't remember what it is. I don't think talking therapies work for me as I don't know what I'm meant to be talking about, there's nothing that really bothers me.

I'm becoming increasingly convinced that my problems are physical in some way; that I have wonky brain chemistry or some other hormone/chemical problem. The meds take the edge off it a bit but don't stop it entirely. Do I just have to keep weaning on and off different ADs until I find one that works? Or is there some kind of testing or scans they might narrow down the field a bit? Is there any other treatment options I can look in to?

Thanks

Hi there I suffer from anxiety and like you had a course of cbt which I found no help whatsoever. I've found meds not to be that effective too on propronol at the moment and I've taken citalopram in the past maybe the meds have not been the right ones for us. But I also wonder if its a hormonal or chemical imbalance with me too as it began pretty much straight after the birth of my second dc and I've never been the same since. and ive noticed im worse each time of the month. I'm not much help sorry just wanted you to know that your not alone.

There are different types of talking therapies with different techniques and approaches. Like you, I've struggled with varying degrees of depression most of my life. I've tried lots of different counsellors with no long term progress in the past. I particularly didn't get on with CBT. I'm also on meds which take the edge off, but aren't a miracle cure!

I've recently started with a new therapist and I really do feel like it's a real turning point. Are you in a position to try a different counsellor? Do you know what approach your current counsellor is using?

I'm another one who has tried a few different types, some of which made me notably worse.

There are other types of counselling available so please don't give up hope. I found CBT and person-centered counselling really stressful and awful. CAT was good and I am now in psychoanalytical which is intense but OK so far. I really like this lady.

If there's no obvious cause for the sadness then yes, consider other therapies.

I recommend you go to session and focus entirely on the feelings of sadness - if you trust your therapist/like them/think they want the best for you then expressing the feelings, sitting with them, being with another while you hold them together could possibly help and provide some release. Don't focus on why, focus on experiencing.

If/when that doesn't work I recommend you look into mindfulness training/ exercise that includes thought like Pilates/yoga, new hobbies - in general decreasing the time to be sad.

Sadness is very rarely completely present without cause - you will notice that there are gaps in the sadness (usually when you're doing something engaging) - the goal may be to increase the gaps between with a combination of tasks, medication, allocating time to be experiencing the sadness.

for you

What a lovely reply LaurieFairyCake

Thanks for the replies. I have done mindfulness/yoga/running in the past and am a bit of a hobby fiend (glances at huge pile of craft equipment) but I'm really lacking the motivation to do much at the moment. It's annoying as I know those things work when I'm mostly good but I'm past that point at the moment.

I think I'm doing art therapy with a psychotherapy element. I like that it's less structured than CBT and the woman doing it with me seems ok. I will try to concentrate more on sadness next session and see how it goes. I've also got a meds review with my psychiatrist next week so I'll ask about med options too.

Has anyone tried hypnotherapy or similar? I'm also seriously considering asking about ECT

Hi Fenella.
How are you feeling now? Have you had another session?

I'm afraid I don't have any experience of hypnotherapy. (Other than for smoking cessation and that didn't stick...)

And I'm not sure I know what ECT is?!

No, session isn't until later this week. Still not feeling great :(

ECT - electro convulsive therapy.

MBCT? Or longer term psychotherapy?