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are there some therapists that treat just teenagers?

Posted , 3 users are following.

cleo_83575
cleo_83575

i have anxiety and depression. ive been on lexapro adn initally it helped but ive been feeling very bad the past ocuple of weeks. ive been having bad anxiety, stress, crying alot, forgetfullness and panic attacks. the reason im wondering if there are jsut adolsecent therapists is because i dont want to go to a therapist who will just be ignorant, and think im just a normal teengaer and will grow out of it. I want to seek help, but of course im anxious in doing so. I dont want a therapist who is jsut gonna tell me im going through a stage when im really not. also let me know if youve had good or bad experiences with therapists. thanks!

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • audrey96558
    audrey96558 cleo_83575

    Posted

    Hi Cleo,

    If you don't mind me asking, where are you in the world?

    I'm sure the systems vary a lot from country to country, but I'm assuming that things we have in the UK are available elsewhere so that's what I'm basing my advice on.

    In the UK there is a service called CAMHS

    (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services). It comprises of mental health nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists and pretty much anyone else you can think of that may be connected to the treatment of mental health. As the name suggests they specialise in mental health issues of children and teenagers so are probably the best people to see in terms of not being dismissed as having teenage angst or anything like that.

    I haven't been in touch with this service for many years because I am in my mid twenties now and so I get support elsewhere.

    There's also a charity in the UK called Young Minds, I'm sure wherever you are there will be similar charities and there will be mental health professionals who specialise in treating your age group and assessing, diagnosing and treating mental health problems in your age range as a totally separate issue to the "normal" issues everyone faces whilst going through adolescence.

    I think you are right to be aware that SOME practitioners aren't specialised enough to distinguish between teenage angst and a medical mental health problem, so it really would be beneficial to see somebody who is properly in tune with your needs.

    Without knowing where you are from exactly it's difficult to give more advice other than to speak to your GP (or whoever your regular doctor is) and express your wish to be referred to somebody who specialises in adolescent mental health.

    Do you have any friends or family who can offer you support? It's often helpful to take a parent or relative you trust along with you to these appointments.

    I have seen some wonderful counsellors in the past and if you get somebody who is the right fit for you, it can be really beneficial.

    I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this at such a young age, I've been there and I know how tough it is.

    I'm sure with the right support you can get through this though.

    Take care of yourself and if there's anything else you need just ask, there's some very helpful people on here.

    Best wishes xxx

    • cleo_83575
      cleo_83575 audrey96558

      Posted

      Thank you so much Audrey for your kind and helpful words. You really understood were I was coming from and what I what I wanted to avoid. A doctor who would just brush my problems off as teenage angst, and tell me to wait a couple years and I'll grow out of it.

       I live in America and have a great general practioner, and he has given me names of therapists he thinks could help me tremendously, but I never really wanted to talk to anyone. I still don't really even talk to my friends or family about some of the problems I'm facing, I just don't want them to see me in such a weakened and helpless state. I guess thats why I've avoided seeking help from a proffesional for so long, over 8 years actually. But that being said, my parents do know whats going on and have helped me greatly. I guess I'm just going through one of those bad waves. Thank you again for your all help. Also,  looking into charities for young people with mental health problems is something I would love to be a part of.

      Best Wishes to you as well!

      Thank you again! 

  • VauxhallGirl
    VauxhallGirl cleo_83575

    Posted

    Don't worry, Cleo - they do have child therapists. If you go along to your Doctor, they can refer you to one. x
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