Mental help direction...

Submitted by Slapchop420 t3_11ab55m in Connecticut

My whole life has been rough but recent years have taken an impact. I have good insurance now from my new job so it's time to finally ask for help. I've only gone to therapy when I was in highschool over 23 years ago. It helped for sure. Only stopped because people are douches and it mattered to me back then. I'm not looking for meds. I'm looking for a good person to talk to. Make sure I'm not the problem. I honestly can't tell anymore. I live around Brandford and would like to stay close by. I'm also starting actual research but the hive mind does wonders as well! Many thanks in advance!!!

Update:: ty all for the advice and directions.

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billasopher t1_j9qxxs9 wrote

It's gonna be hard, you may feel way worse... But don't give up and the only regret you'll have is not doing it sooner

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LazyUpvote88 t1_j9qxy08 wrote

If you have good insurance they can probably tell you about a network of therapists in your area that they will cover. If you try making an appointment you might state up front you’re not looking to take drugs, and want to work with a therapist who doesn’t recommend drugs as a first line of attack.

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topsheetisamust t1_j9r48ii wrote

Telehealth, and therapists don’t prescribe drugs that’s a psychiatrist. I would check with your insurance they usually send you a list I would call and ask.

I got a therapist 3 weeks ago and I wish I did it months ago, maybe I’d be in a better situation right now if I had.

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BobbyBuzz008 t1_j9rucq2 wrote

Finding a therapist can be a challenging process, one that can take up to several months. Unfortunately, in my experience, lists of therapists from insurance companies or psychology today aren’t kept up to date and are full of people no longer practicing, deceased, or not taking new clients. I am not saying this to deter you, as getting a therapist is an incredibly brave and wise decision. But it’s important to understand at the start of your search that our state’s mental health services are very overwhelmed right now, and you should not give up if you don’t find someone right away as it’s not personal, as everyone is going through a challenging time right now.

With that in mind, in addition to reaching out to your insurance provider and various websites, it would be helpful to also reach out to your primary care physician to ask for a referral. Also, contact your town’s social services office and make a appointment and ask them for referrals. I got a great therapist from a referral from my town’s social services department. You can call 211 and ask them for a referral. You can also just go to your community mental health provider and set up an intake appointment and let the intake person know that you are in need of a therapist. CMHC is the community mental health provider for the New Haven region. Finally, if you are ever in a crisis, you can dial 988 for immediate help.

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uthyrbendragon t1_j9raip4 wrote

If you go to the website for your insurance provider and register you will almost certainly be able to search for providers in your area, from there, a little research into some of the providers may help you find the right therapist for you.

Best of luck, but most of all, don’t give up, you may need to try more than one therapist before you find the right one.

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ChocolateConrad t1_j9ru4jq wrote

I would just say, while I admire that you would like to avoid using medication, please don’t refuse it if suggested or directed by a MD or clinical psychologist. It may actually be a very good thing.

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Slapchop420 OP t1_j9wxj6u wrote

I'm not against it really. I just fear addiction. My family is a great example of what the wrong meds can do. In the past I was put on Ritalin and that was a horrible experience starting in the third grade. I didn't need it. I was an A student. I just doodled a lot and seemed like I wasn't paying attention. It was suggested by my teacher. I'm 40 now btw. Knowing what I know now, that shit was like ecstasy and cocaine. My grades dropped, the prescription went higher. Repeat a few years of this until I started to get good at fake taking the pill. Grades got better and I told my mom I wasn't taking the meds and haven't for a year. She luckily got me off them. So, that's where I stand on them. I know I can do it without them. I've dealt with worse shit my whole life. It's just currently gotten hard to handle on my own and I don't know if I'm the issue or the toxic roommates I have are.

Edit:: I gave an updoot because I hear your words and don't see them as bad.

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ChocolateConrad t1_j9y49gh wrote

I totally empathize with your situation. Back in the early 90’s my Dr dad was giving me non-prescribed Zoloft and Wellbutrin to help with my actual depression. Then I spiraled down and tried suicide. Now years later Drs warn not to prescribe to youth due to suicide being a major risk.

I’m talking a real deal Dr who you implicitly trust and have a good understanding with. Not an overworked school worker or doting dad.

Yes, drugs can fuck up your life, but they can save it, too.

Now it’s low dose gummies and heart medication. We all have a balance we are reaching in our body. It may take a few tries to get it right.

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