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Wiry

Updated 10mo ago

Is Therapy Really Necessary for Chemical-Based Depression and Anxiety?

I have had depression and anxiety since I was a kid and only got treatment in the last couple years. Medication only. My psychiatrist recommended therapy as a next step in my treatment, but I don't really see how therapy will help me, when I feel that my condition is just chemical based...

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SimplyImperfect

2y

I've been with my therapist for 18+ years, honestly I don't know what I would have done without him. He has helped me gain better understanding of myself and also I can say whatever I'm feeling and whatever my thoughts are, so when I leave I feel better about things and think clearly. It eases my burden. Medication is great, therapy is a bonus.
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Perfectionist27

2y

Therapy is worth a try! Its better to try than to not try! Ive been getting therapy for over 10+ years. Some therapists are better than others.
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babygirl2021

2y

I agree with you I have a. Therapist that is the same way. She has help me alot. And I only been with her since June of 2021.
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BenevolentErudite

2y

Hopefully you will get enlightened to better understand that some of your conditions are not solely chemically based when speaking with competent practitioners. It would be weird that your psychiatrist would recommend therapy if your issues were able to be 100% cured/treatable with pharmaceuticals. Dealing with trying to find a good therapist that you can build a good rapport with and adjusting to a new therapist and new therapeutic techniques can be very off-putting and frustrating and you may want to self-sabotage. We have got to keep trying or else it is really hard, if not impossible, to fully recover from mental illness. I have been dealing with my depression and anxiety and PTSD for what feels like 30 years at least and I went to school to become an occupational therapist. Healing mental illness is most successful when we take a holistic approach and learn as much as we can about any and all tips, tricks and techniques for treatment and support.
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SimplyImperfect

2y

If you do decide to see a therapy and you don't feel like she/he is compatible with you. Search for another one, it took me 4 therapist until I found one that I felt was compatible with me and my needs.
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SnowRose

2y

My therapists have been amazing in supporting my journey through all my crap. They can provide resources that you might not think of, ways to help when the conditions get weird despite the meds. And while it might be chemically based, your reactions to it aren't - and that's what the therapy is for.
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WildQveen

2y

Therapy isn't always for everyone. I do have a therapist but I only ever speak with her if it's absolutely necessary for me, more of an on call basis. My depression is strictly chemical as well but every now and then it helps to have a non biased person to talk to and help work out extremely difficult situations. It's your journey and choice, but it does help letting those feelings out whether it writing/journal or just verbally letting it out
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Mila

2y

I was recently diagnosed with depression and for now I only go to therapy, without taking meds. It's definitely not for everyone, you need to be willing to understand yourself better and to do a lot of mental work. But after a couple of months I feel like it's really been helping me, I understand where my thoughts and feelings come from, why I act the way I do and how I can help myself feel better with all kinds of actions. Behavior can change chemicals in your brain the same way chemicals (meds) can change behavior. I would suggest you give it a try to see if there is something that you could benefit from it in addition to the meds.
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Bunnyseer

2y

Even if your depression is chemical based, EVERYONE can benefit from therapy. A professionals perspective on your problems and tips on how to cope with them are crucial when you have mental illness. Its easier to deal with repairs when u have the proper tools

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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