week 7 on fluoxetine, needing advise

abi I am not here to dictate but from reading your postings there apears to be issues that need exploring at a deeper level. Has your dr suggested cbt at all?

There is an organisation called icope that produces leaflets on several issues and you can self refer. I assume hat you are in the UK.

I pay for therapy and I have had around 8 sessions now and we have started the work after 6 talking sessions, the last 2 sessions I have had she has done hypnotherapy work with me but she uses cbt as well I'm guessing it's just a slow slow process as she said there's lots to delve into.

Thanks for your support

Be aware twhen choosing a private therapist that they are bona fide and registered with the BACP.

Is there a way I can check I'm not sure she has certificates on the wall but iv never read them

X

Abi  The british association of counsellors and psychotherapists  are the Regulatory Body. Anyone can call themselves a counsellor, therapist or hypnotherapist so it isimportant to check that they are bona fide and regulated . If registered they are obliged to conform to the standards and code of conduct set by the BACP. How much are you beig charged per session?

Oh ok I'll have a look thanks for that.

I pay £25 for over an hour session.

Hi Abi

The charge is about right but if the sessions are being extended then be careful. The counsellor should have established a contract with you at the outset and an idea of whether she could help you.

Anyway there are relaxation tapes and mindfulness videos online for free!

Meditation and yoga are good.

Do you manage to have an active socuial life outwide of work I wonder. I hope you do not mind my asking.

​It is important to socialise

Also holidays are important as they give you something to look forward to and also a change of scene.

 

To be fair, therapy always takes time. The way therapy is conducted in the public sector is usually lacking. Private therapists tend to select how many patients they can handle and typically are therefore free to proceed at the right pace. I hope this is an accredited therapist and hope you will make progress soon enough.

No I don't socialise at all at the minute just go work and come home. Because I feel like I will feel bad when I socialise because I just compare myself to others and it really gets me down and everything reminds me that I'm ill or reminds me of the house.

Going on holiday always makes me really anxious so I wouldn't dare do that at this time.

Yes I had a free hour session where I just told her everything and she decided there and then if she could help me.

Thanks

X

Thanks I hope I will too just feel like I expected to be better by now and never realised how long it would take

X

Can someone go with you on holiday.

Not really and I can't afford it because I'm only working part time and struggling to pay my bills

abi Have you considered taking in a house guest/lodger/student to help out finacially and also to provide some company for you?

financially!!!!!!

Not really because I'm back at my parents and my partner is at our house on his own

Rather difficult situation for you at the moment. Take care.

Its horrible never thought I would be like this never knew anxiety would put my life on hold like this.

abi

You can cope with his honeetly. You aree stronger than you think I can tell.

Ypu ave acheived a lot. You have learned a lot.

​You have your own place.You have a partner. You have your parents.

Remember you are not alone in this.

​You have had 8 sessions with a therapist. Have you considered changing to another one. That may be a way forward for you. It could be that as good s your present therapist is that you may nrnrfit fromm a different person.

Please note that this suggestion is not intended to imply any criticism or slur  whatsoever on your present therapist. It is just that sometims people need a different approach.

Have u tried staying at your house say one day/one night a week to see how you get on?

No I have not considered changing therapist because I feel a good connection with her.

No as I drive upto the house I start feeling so sick and nearly be sick so then can't face going in really thought that side of my anxiety would be under control on the meds

Hello Abi

​It was just a suggestion that is all. I am glad that you are happy with your therapist .

I was wondering if your therapist could perhaps visit you at your own house to access the situation in more depth. Some therapists do home visists albeit they may charge slightly more for travelling time etc. 

Take care

My friend has paid for private therapy so going to ask her about her experience because she had it for a year and no longer needs it so will speak to her about her sessions.

i thought about that I wondered if she would come up the house with me so I could explain how I feel.

thanks

x

Good idea abi. She may gain more insight into the problem and also it may make you feel more supported locally.

Have you overcome a mental health ill was Jane not sure if you have said before

X

*mental health illness

My anxiety ws caused by thyroid issues which I did not know about at the time.

Oh ok I have had a blood test to check for that I think

abi I did not mean to imply that this applies to you.

 

abi I think that you need to get away for a short break, perhaps a weekend in a really nicehotel. there are lots of deals going at reasonable prices.

I do not know about your financial situation or if you would consider the afore mentioned but if you did go away say on your own it does give you the opportunity of having your own space and also the chance to see how you feel away from things that are on your mindaand the reminders.

Just an idea that's all!

 

It is a good idea Jane and I would love to just can't afford it unfortunately because I'm only working part time and still having to pay the mortgage so have no money.

could you ask your friend to help you or perhaps your partner who is living in your house?

I just don't think I could cope with going away right now because I usually have quite bad anxiety when I go away it might just add to the anxiety and make me worse I think I'm just not strong enough yet.

X

Don't worry Abi.