Starting counselling this week.

[Redtulip2]

After 9 years on antidepressants and sleeping tablets, I'm starting counselling this week. I don't want to be on medication my whole life, so I know I need to address the underlying issues.

I'm glad I've taken the step, I'm very much an introvert and not much of a talker.

For those of you who have had counselling, did it make you feel worse before better? Did it help at all?

I'm working full time and have 3 kids, I'm concerned that if I feel worse initially, I may need to take time off work, which I don't want to do. I'm only just managing my very stressful job as it is. Half of me wants to put the counselling off, but realistically, I'm not going to get better without it.

Awareness is the first step towards change. Trouble is, awareness often causes the pain.

I've written down how I've been feeling recently. I've included the dark thoughts and the preoccupation I have with one bridge in particular.

It's not a nice read, but, as I know I'll struggle to verbalise this, I was wondering if it would be OK to email it to my counsellor just before my appointment. What do you think?

Sorry for all the questions, but this thread has really helped me this weekend. Thank you all.

I'd email it an hour or so before and give her a text to say that you have done so and why. That way she has time to read and digest it before seeing you.

You really are doing great. Its amazing that you are able to verbalise all this, even in writing. You sound quite self aware which will help you a lot.

Thanks, @Balloonhearts. I'm much better at writing things down than saying them.

You've given me some great advice this weekend, and I really appreciate it.

I am a counsellor and would be ok with a client emailing it across like you've described. I have a few clients who do this sometimes and it can be helpful as let's us prepare for the session.

@singingthypraises thanks for confirming that.

I hope it helps you a little. Will think of you Wednesday, hope it goes well.

Thanks. Same to you, too.