Therapy unhelpful?

[pieces]

I started to see a psychiatrist to help me with my alcoholism, he's certified with treating people with addiction. I feel very bad every day, like a feeling of hopelessness for the future and looming sadness. The psychiatrist though, is keen that I'm not depressed and that I have sufficient emotional tools that don't make meds necessary. Without alcohol I've been thinking of killing myself more and more, since I find no other source of pleasure and relief in my life. Do you think I should tackle the issue on other way? Drop it? Keep going? Someone told me therapy starts making effect after a year or so of sessions. But... these sessions are expensive and... I'm not feeling better.

 

[TAW122]

I'm sorry that your recovery efforts didn't pan out. As for whether you wish to continue treatment, switch psychiatrists, medications, etc., that is ultimately up to you and only you can decide what is best for you. Good luck and I hope you find peace and/or recovery.

 

[Sensei]

First of all, I know very little about alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse, so take my words for what they're worth. Psychotherapy helps many people, but unfortunately far from all. To me, as a layman, it seems a little bit odd to focus entirely on psychotherapy. Sure, it can help solve your underlying issues which turned you into an alcoholic in the first place, but does it really help you deal with your alcoholism as such? Are you on a program of some kind? I know for sure that programs help many people, although, again, far from all. Do you get antabus? It doesn't only stop you from drinking, but it also raises your dopamine levels, which is helpful for many. There's also self-medication, but that's something you obviously have to think through before trying. An example: How To Use Kratom For Alcohol Withdrawal.

 

[Secrets1]

I am sorry it doesn't feel effective now. It depends if you like your therapist and feel their input is worthwhile. How do you really feel about what they're saying outside of feeling less happy times bc of less alcohol? Is it accurate but uncomfortable or wishful and misunderstanding? That is the question to move on to a different healthcare provider or not. An optimistic doc is a good thing. Alcohol spikes serotonin followed by major depletion so your what you're thinking makes perfect sense given what you're body is experiencing chemically. Long term is causes havoc on the body so advice to decrease use at a minimum is generally good.

 

[-Link-]

Sounds like either your psychiatrist is not efficient in treating mental illness other than addiction, or you're not being entirely forthcoming with him.

When your psychiatrist tells you that you're not depressed and that you don't need antidepressants, tell them you don't agree with that assessment and explain why. Talk about your symptoms and give examples of how they're affecting you.

As a psychiatric patient, you have to advocate for yourself, which means if you disagree with something a medical professional is doing with you or says to you, or if you just feel they're wronging you or dismissing your issues, then you have to challenge them on it and stand up for yourself about it. And if they don't listen to you even after you do that, then you need a different therapist/doctor.

 

[aiuto]

If you don't really think that your psychiatrist is of any help for you try switching to a new one.
In the end psychiatrists are people like you and me, you may not find yourself comfortable with one, switching to someone else in this case may be the best course of action for you. You do not have to give up so easily, sometimes a patient and a psychiatrist may just not be compatible.

 

[UpandDownPrincess]

I've found that therapy sessions are most helpful when I really drive them. Think a bit ahead about what's really troubling me and go prepared to talk about it.

It's easy to go in and recite the happenings of the week but it accomplishes nothing. I really need to focus on things that resonate with me and talk about how I felt in those moments. That's when work really get done.

I'd not give up quite so soon, but try and focus your time not on what's happening but on specific triggers, if you have them, how you feel about your daily events now that you are trying to live without alcohol, and how your suicidal feelings manifest.