I solved it for myself by looking directly into depression for what it is, looking into feelings and where and how exactly they are being felt.
This is akin Eckhart Tolle teachings, I guess. Worked magic for me.
Ask HN: Depressed and I want to start therapy, but struggling
11–15 of 15 posts
Re: Ask HN: Depressed and I want to start therapy, but struggling
#12Get your annual exam and see if you can check your vitamin D levels on your blood test. Most people are lacking in it. I'd recommend taking 2000mg a day. There are two kinds of vitamin D. D3, cholecalciferol, is the one you want to take. Also, like other posters have suggested, try going to the gym. It does wonders for your mood. You might also want to look into interpersonal therapy in addition to CBT. From what I'v…
Note vitamin d3 doses are in iu not mg. It is very hard to overdose.
Re: Ask HN: Depressed and I want to start therapy, but struggling
#13Depression is work. If you haven't done the things your doctor has told you to do, and at least given them an honest effort, that should really be your first step.
Re: Ask HN: Depressed and I want to start therapy, but struggling
#14> it seems that free therapy on the NHS is not an option.
This is a mistake! There is something like "community based psychological therapies" which will be long term talking therapies for people with severe MH problems.
But there's also therapies available under something called IAPT - improved access to psychological therapies. Your local primary care trust should have something called a PCAT (different name in different areas) - PCAT is primary care and assessment team. They have publicity names - so in Gloucestershire they're called "Let's Talk".
PCAT take self referrals, so you don't need to get access via your GP. But you can ask your GP for details if you want.
There are a bunch of therapies. I'm a fan of CBT. This is not medical advice! I'm not a doctor, and have no qualifications. I think a good working relationship with the therapist is important.
You can also get private therapy. Check for BCAP registration.
Short version:
1) Ask a GP at the surgery where you're registered for information about the local IAPT services (or do a web search for them)
2) Have a look at MoodGym (https://moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome) or some books. "Mind over Mood" is often recommended.
3) Consider private therapy. BCAP registration is good. CBT is good. £30 to £40 per session, for about 8 to 12 sessions, seems good. (Depending on area and stuff. )
Please feel free to email me if you want. And good luck!
Re: Ask HN: Depressed and I want to start therapy, but struggling
#15> it seems that free therapy on the NHS is not an option. This is a mistake! There is something like "community based psychological therapies" which will be long term talking therapies for people with severe MH problems. But there's also therapies available under something called IAPT - improved access to psychological therapies. Your local primary care trust should have something called a PCAT (different name in dif…
Sadly it seems that IAPT isn't available in Scotland. They are working on a similar scheme but it is yet to be launched.
Thanks so much for your other thoughts though, really helpful!