TheEcounsellor

[theEcounsellor]

Hi everybody,

My name is Nick and I am a psychologist who has worked in a number of different settings. I am currently working on a on-line project (called theEcounsellor). We provide therapy programmes, support, advice, guidance etc to people who may be struggling with various psychological difficulties, particularly depression.

I would be really interested to hear if anybody has tried to access any help or support on-line and if so, was it helpful? If not, what might have prevented you? I'm not carrying out research so any information you chose to share does not go anywhere (and of course this forum is a respectful, confidential place anyway), but I am extremely interested in learning more about how we can utilise modern communication technology to make sure people are getting the support they need in a way that is safe, easy, affordable and accessible to them.

Thanks a lot for taking the time to read this and I really look forward to hearing all your thoughts. By the way, if you have general questions about getting support for low mood and depression either on-line or in a more traditional way, or any question you think it might be helpful to get a psychologists view on, please feel free to ask them by replying to this thread.

Once again, thanks for reading this. I look forward to talking to you all.

Nick
theEcounsellor

[bel]

Haven't tried anything like that myself but I think it's a great idea and would certainly consider it if I wanted therapy again.
(Not depressed now YAY  ()_ )

[Will_Mac]

sounds interesting, Iam on a waiting list to see a therapist. Though it may take along time.
I think the need to speak with someone about my difficulties, is now. I have made another appointment with my doc to discuss things further.
Finding online support would be good.

and thats good to hear bel :)

Will

[sademily]

Actually new to forums..

I have used different forms throughout the years that have all showed that i suffer from severe depression. As I trained healthcare professional I already knew it but I find it hard to talk to someone.

Just cannot bring myself to talk to a doctor. Partly because I'm scared of what treatment they might recommend. Just can't take time off work as it would ruin the conception of perfection and also I just cannot afford to take time off. I'd rather leave this life than be a burden to my family financially and emotionally. haven't given up on life totally yet so find writing on the internet comforting and "not as personal".

[Ezel]

Sounds interesting  &^%

[theEcounsellor]

Hi everybody,

Thanks so much for reading and responding to my initial post. It's interesting to hear peoples thoughts and feelings about on-line counselling. I know waiting lists can be a problem, as Will mentioned, and the price, stigma and 'personal'-ness that emily mentioned are also common barriers to getting traditional face-to-face treatment

I wonder, has anybody tried getting help on-line? Are you aware what sort of help is available?

Once again, if you have any questions about on-line counselling etc, please feel free to ask on this thread or to message me.

Thanks again everyone.

Nick
theEcounsellor

[lightenup]

Hi Nick  !"£ to the forum, Mindful is another organisation who offers help.  Personally am lucky to be getting help through CBT.  However there has been a period where my usual therapist has been off from before Xmas.  I had been going through quite a bad spell and was able to see another therapist, who I am feeling comfortable with now.  My point is when I was really down, that this site and the other great members here helped me just by them urging me on.  I really found it difficult to ring the CBT between times and ask for help.  People may find it easier because frankly it is difficult to admit you have depression and the anonomity of having help in this way is a good move I think.

[Nissa]

Im going to the docs tomorrow. I'm petrified and have gone from being zonked out every night to waking up all last night and the night before thinking about it. Just frightened of their reaction.

I searched online to see if I could gain any kind of help. Thats the only reason I joined this forum. It helps to talk to people who dont make you feel alone.

I had councilling for post natal depression. It helped while I went weekly just to talk but when it stopped I was back where I started.

[theEcounsellor]

Hi Nissa and Lightenup,

Thanks very much for your comments. Nissa, good luck tomorrow. I think that taking the step to access help and support is a brave and positive one (even if it feels scary). If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Take care all

Nick
theEcounsellor

[lara1976]

I need help! I am so down I am scared, I have a bit of a history when feeling like this so am trying anything to get out of this low before I do something silly, I cant function, I have self harmed before and have tried to "end" it. I dont want to feel like this. I have some conditions which add to my problems. I live with my daughter and my fiance, but I have no friends I dont have a social life at all.I cannot even remember the last time I left this house, I have been hiding in my room for the last few days. My family and I have a strained relationships, but have just found out that my step father has just months to live. I hate being like this. And dont know how long I can carry on for.

So do you think you can point me in the right direction to get any of the help you mention above???

[lara1976]

Actually just found your website, another 1 of my struggle is that I am on disability benefits so I would not be able to afford your "Ecounselling" anyway

[lightenup]

Hi Laura welcome to the forum, sorry your feeling so unwell at the moment.  Don't know what Ecounsellor are charging, but you could try mindful help who are also on this forum,  they operate a free site.  Try e-mailing them. 

Have you got help from your Doctor?  Try and keep thinking about your daughter and fiance, and all the good times you share.  Thinking about my immediate family kept me going when I was really low.  Unfortunately the more you cut yourself off the more isolated you become, and the more depressed you become.  Yesterday I went out alone for a walk for me this was a big feat.  I was avoiding going out from before xmas and was getting more and more down.

Also I have found posting on here has helped me because the members understand what you are going through.  Unfortuanately life throughs so many things at us and they are more difficult to deal with when you are ill.  Try and do something you enjoy everyday even if it just having a relaxing bath or listen to some music.  Take care

[lara1976]

Thank you. I will do what I can I dont like feeling like this

[theEcounsellor]

Hi Lara,

I'm sorry to hear you are having such a difficult time at the moment. lightenup offers some great advice there, especially the part about trying to engage in some sort of simple pleasurable activity can really help to lift your mood, and of course you can get some help fro your doctor.

I'm afraid that most interactive on-line counselling services will charge you something, but there are some self-directed help courses you can down load and work through on your own, (as lightenup says you can always come back to places like this forum to get some emotional support).

Try going to:

http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/infopax.cfm?Info_ID=37

this is a pretty good workbook/info pack. I hope it is helpful. Take care,

Nick
theEcounsellor