Why I can’t pursue professional help - do any of you feel similarly?

[-nobodyknows-]

I was in treatment for a long time when I was younger. I tried all sorts of things - therapy, meds, even ECT. Though, ultimately, it wasn't very helpful.

Still, that's not the only reason why I won't pursue that sort of thing anymore. It's just that, realistically, I don't think I can. I need to find a good, steady job, and I can't really go to therapy very easily if I'm doing that. Most of those places are only open during the workday, and I can't just take time off for that. Trying to explain why I'd be taking time off constantly to HR would also be a mess…. And don't even get me started about ECT or some of the stronger medications. There's no way to work at all while you're doing that sort of thing.

I think, for lack of a better term, I've essentially been forced to "outgrow" treatment. It's one thing when you're younger, and have more flexibility with your time, but now? It's not going to happen. I had my time to try to get better, and it didn't play out. Now, I have to do what I can with the state that I am in now.

There's also, I guess, a sort of "responsibility" factor that plays a role too. I don't think it's really right for me to rely on anyone anymore. It seems inappropriate to drag anyone into this; especially my family who had to deal with it before. It might be better if they believe everything is fine.

I may not be working right now, but since I need to get a job soon I absolutely cannot have something like therapy getting in the way of employment. It's kind of fucked up to think about. I wonder how many other people don't go to therapy or seek treatment because they just don't have time to.

Have any of you drawn a similar conclusion?

 

[Forever Sleep]

I wonder if there are other less intense services you can access. I think some therapists will even work with people over email, texts etc. Maybe that's worth considering.

For me, it's more that I don't even have the desire to 'recover' or improve my situation now. Mainly because I'm sure that would involve confronting things I would hate- so, for example, trying to be more social in order to overcome social anxiety. I don't have the willingness now to likely make my life even worse on the off chance that long- term, it might make it better.

I don't have the goals I used to have in life either. So, without something good at the end to work towards, I'd also be questioning why I would be challenging myself so intensely. I'm more comfortable with the idea that I'll just continue to try to tread water for now- until the point I can go.

Effectively, it would be frustrating for the therapist to have to work with someone so stubbornly resistant to change and, helping themselves. It would be a waste of both of our time and, my money when I'm not even open to taking their advice.

I hope you can find something though. I'm sure there must be services. I'm sure many people working do still attend therapy in some way.

 

[nobodycaresaboutme]

You have a strong sense of responsibility. I respect you. However you don't have to quit your therapy to have a job. Actually I'd had sessions many times while I was employed. Of course you can give up therapuetic relashionships when they don't help you. It's just your choice. And you can turn to someone you trust in. It's not a shame to give yourself enough time and resources and someone's help to get better.
Are there any therapists that are available on Saturday or Sunday? I think you need some help. I'm concerned that you'll end up in burnout in the workplace due to a lack of support. Mental breakdown is more likely to get in the way of continued employment rather than therapy.
I hope you get through the situation

 

[Dr Iron Arc]

I never thought of it that way but I realize that this happened to me too. I have a second job now and I too feel like I outgrew therapy. Then again I never got any benefit from therapy even when I had plenty of free time. And yet none of the issues that plagued me were actually solved it feels like I just pushed them all aside by sinking into work…