How to talk to a therapist

[ladyannibal]

I suffer from untreated depression and have for 11 years now. I'm tired of being unmedicated and the constant feeling of "what is the point of living anyway"?

I've been kind of turned off from therapist because a friend of mine was hospitalized because she told her therapist that she had suicidal thoughts and because she was a cutter.

I want to be honest and open with my therapist but I'm afraid that if I tell him/her that when I reach my lowest lows I think about crawling in my bathtub and ending it all they want to hospitalize me. I don't wanna lie to the therapist because I feel like that will defeat the purpose of going but I'm scared.

Advice?

[Deleted]

Feb 8, 2015 23:16:13 GMT -5 ladyannibal said:

I suffer from untreated depression and have for 11 years now. I'm tired of being unmedicated and the constant feeling of "what is the point of living anyway"?

I've been kind of turned off from therapist because a friend of mine was hospitalized because she told her therapist that she had suicidal thoughts and because she was a cutter.

I want to be honest and open with my therapist but I'm afraid that if I tell him/her that when I reach my lowest lows I think about crawling in my bathtub and ending it all they want to hospitalize me. I don't wanna lie to the therapist because I feel like that will defeat the purpose of going but I'm scared.

Advice?

It's very difficult to put someone on a psych hold without their consent. I would research potential therapists and make sure you are comfortable with their methods. If you don't feel comfortable with a particular therapists you are always allowed to switch.

[towerclimberswife]

The law that protects confidentiality also has a part that allows breaking confidentiality in the event that someone has a clear plan to hurt themselves.

If you do have a clear plan, it is important to let your therapist know - especially if you are interested in seeking out a therapist to eliminate these feelings. Hospitalization is actually pretty rare for suicidal ideation.

If you don't have a clear plan (the way you'd kill yourself, the day and time ect...) then it probably wouldn't get reported. Lots of people have thoughts of killing themselves, but don't have the intention to follow through with it. These thoughts are still important to discuss with your therapist.

Bottom line is suicidal thoughts are important and should be discussed. During your first session with a therapist you can ask them how they deal with suicidal thoughts and what their reporting process is. They should be able to answer your questions before you share details about your suicidal thoughts.

Good luck!!! You're being brave in wanting to talk to someone, and I understand how difficult it is to feel safe when you have feelings like that.

[towerclimberswife]

The law that protects confidentiality also has a part that allows breaking confidentiality in the event that someone has a clear plan to hurt themselves.

If you do have a clear plan, it is important to let your therapist know - especially if you are interested in seeking out a therapist to eliminate these feelings. Hospitalization is actually pretty rare for suicidal ideation.

If you don't have a clear plan (the way you'd kill yourself, the day and time ect...) then it probably wouldn't get reported. Lots of people have thoughts of killing themselves, but don't have the intention to follow through with it. These thoughts are still important to discuss with your therapist.

Bottom line is suicidal thoughts are important and should be discussed. During your first session with a therapist you can ask them how they deal with suicidal thoughts and what their reporting process is. They should be able to answer your questions before you share details about your suicidal thoughts.

Good luck!!! You're being brave in wanting to talk to someone, and I understand how difficult it is to feel safe when you have feelings like that.

[olivegoose]

It's important that you are honest with your therapist so that they are better able to help you. If you are afraid of their reaction, that is also something you can discuss with them. I promise you that you will not be the first person to have those fears when seeking help. You can explain your hesitance and gauge your comfort level with that therapist one their reaction if it helps.

[Deleted]

My understanding is there is a big difference between suicidal fantasies and suicidal plans. If you are actually making imminent plans of suicide, that is an emergency situation and you could be hospitalized. If you have frequent suicidal thoughts and fantasies, I think that is just something you'd discuss with your therapist. I have shared with my therapist that I have suicidal thoughts, but no solid plans, and it was (relatively speaking) NBD.

[flcl]

It sounds like you've been struggling for a long time. You are asking really good questions and have valid concerns but it also seems like you are through with depression being in control. When I had fears about hospitalization, I had to remind myself that when and if it ever came down to that, it's just another step on the way to me feeling better. Don't get me wrong, hospitalizations aren't my cup of tea... I just know that they are better than the alternative. Hang in there... I hope you find a therapist you like and that the clouds lift for you soon.