Should I engage in therapy during withdrawal? Psychotherapy during withdrawal

[TreeElf]

Note by mod: Several similar topics have been merged on July 8, 2022.  

 

Hi guys,

 

As I explained in my intro topic, I'm currently stabilizing on 5mg Prozac. While I'm thankfully not in the state I was a couple of months ago, I still have extremely difficult days/moments. My moods and mental state change so rapidly. I have days where I'm almost 'high', hopeful, optimistic, even peaceful, and then that can change to abject terror and despair within minutes.

 

I began a 'process' of introspection, if I can put it that way, before I began tapering off medications. Like many, I had no idea withdrawal could be like this and always assumed I was severely mentally ill underneath, after attempting to come off in the past. My general instinct would be that the deep mental traumas should perhaps be looked at when someone is stable, but it feels like I started a process and once it's started it can't exactly be stopped. Like Pandora's Box - I did heaps of meditation, retreats, etc and began to uncover all my deluded mindsets, unresolved fears, tendencies etc etc. Now all of this is amplified times a million due to being in withdrawal. Some days, when I have a severe episode, I get really afraid that if I don't get some form of outside help I could mentally go to a very dangerous place. Although this could be magnified due to fear and my OCD.

 

I was recommended a mentor who does sessions via Skype. She seems to have the approach I'm looking for - integrative, acknowledging the issues as a holistic whole, emotionally, mentally and 'spiritually' (she has a Buddhist background and is an energy healer and counselor). I had a skype consultation with her and she was lovely. My only concerns are a) I have trouble making decisions now due to how obsessive and racing my mind is, constantly doubting everything, and b) it's going to be £350 a month for 6 months. This is a lot of money, I don't currently work and the only reason I have a few savings is because I received a backpay recently. I was going to save this to travel when I'm better, but am unsure whether I want to spend my savings on a therapy if it's not really going to be worth it.

 

Of course no one can tell me what I should do. But I was wondering if anyone was receiving therapy during withdrawal and how much they thought it helped? I tend to avoid most psychiatrists etc as I need someone who understands that my issues are part of a whole system, not just the OCD, not just depression, or on the other end of the scale, not 'just' a spiritual/energetic problem. I need someone somewhere in the middle. It's just a lot of money and I don't know if my hesitancy is part of my symptoms or my intuition (I have lost trust in that since coming off meds).

 

Would love to hear your thoughts!

Edited March 30, 2023 by Altostrata
corrected date

[Elqueso]

Hi Abby,

 

I also am stabilizing on an AD after going through a couple of hellish weeks. I was depressed before this started, and now it has been amplified beyond what I though possible. Therapy is my next step, and I think you should try it too. It's better than taking more medication.

[TreeElf]

Thanks for your reply Elqueso. I do think therapy would be helpful, I was just reluctant to spend all my savings on this particular one when I may not get the full benefits. Or when I could find someone cheaper. I've decided for now to wait until I feel more sure it's the right time and the right therapist. I'm relatively ok most days so there's no rush at the moment

[Ryder]

Do people here use therapy or counselling as a way to talk through stuff and coping ?

 

Only asking as i have been through a raft of therapists myself. Many of them want me to go and do things that I end up either not completing, or find my self sufficiently over-exhausted.  When I report back in it is like they won't provide further support, its not as if I am looking for them to complete my task for me. I understand that you can lead a horse to water, but you can't force it to drink, so you must do much of the work yourself.

 

But After a few attempts with finding a decent psychologist/therapist it is like they look at you with the attitude, so are you going to do anything or are you just going to be one of those people who does nothing. I feel that people give up on you easily especially when you are isoloted from family and friends, unable to talk to your issues to family or friends and should at the very minimum be in contact with a health professional to let them know whats going on.

 

In my own case, i was suppose to complete a course over the summer. I wake up at 7am (not well rested) leave for a 9-4 course Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and just feel completely alone and exhausted during and after class. When I report this back in, i get the being lazy look and attitude and im looking to the heavens for a bit of middle ground to ease me back into life which i have been cut off from for so long to adjust.

 

Ryder.

[ChessieCat]

What is it that you want to get from a therapist / psychologist / counselor?

[Ryder]

Sometimes you have junk on your mind and just feel you need to get thoughts and feelings off your chest. That's really what i go in to discuss Chessie.

 

I know Women are really good at this stuff but defo not a mans area.

[ChessieCat]

You might find this helpful and cheaper:

 

Journalling - Therapeutic Writing & Health Benefits

[Sheera]

I’m considering finding a therapist. My husband isn’t cutting it anymore and that’s a lot of pressure for him to deal with while also trying to support the rest of our family. However, I’m nervous that a therapist won’t believe I’m in withdrawal. Especially since I’m 3 years out. Any suggestions on how to explain this?  Should I trust my gut. If they seem skeptical they probably are?  Have people have success with talk therapy during withdrawal?  
 

Thanks all—

Sheera

[EmergingFromTheVoid]

17 hours ago, Sheera said:

I’m considering finding a therapist. My husband isn’t cutting it anymore and that’s a lot of pressure for him to deal with while also trying to support the rest of our family. However, I’m nervous that a therapist won’t believe I’m in withdrawal. Especially since I’m 3 years out. Any suggestions on how to explain this?  Should I trust my gut. If they seem skeptical they probably are?  Have people have success with talk therapy during withdrawal?  
 

Thanks all—

Sheera

 

Hi Sheera,

 

It may take you some time to find the right therapist for you, but I'd absolutely recommend it. I'm in twice-monthly talk therapy myself and it's been incredibly helpful. You may have to talk to several therapists until you find one that you can trust, and one who can understand what you are going through and believes you. 

[sunnysideup69]

1 minute ago, EmergingFromTheVoid said:

 

Hi Sheera,

 

It may take you some time to find the right therapist for you, but I'd absolutely recommend it. I'm in twice-monthly talk therapy myself and it's been incredibly helpful. You may have to talk to several therapists until you find one that you can trust, and one who can understand what you are going through and believes you. 

 

Hey EFTV, this is my concern. So, you've found someone who is at least willing to believe withdrawal syndrome exists? That's amazing. 

I should add, I'm a qualified therapist, and I think that withdrawal is not really the time to go dredging through the past - for me, personally, I should add. It's too 'activating'. I've had loads of therapy myself. I think, one day, when I'm healed enough, I'm going to specialise in people going through withdrawal. At the moment, I'm just looking for someone to help me get through the worst of this mess.

[EmergingFromTheVoid]

18 minutes ago, sunnysideup69 said:

 

Hey EFTV, this is my concern. So, you've found someone who is at least willing to believe withdrawal syndrome exists? That's amazing. 

I should add, I'm a qualified therapist, and I think that withdrawal is not really the time to go dredging through the past - for me, personally, I should add. It's too 'activating'. I've had loads of therapy myself. I think, one day, when I'm healed enough, I'm going to specialise in people going through withdrawal. At the moment, I'm just looking for someone to help me get through the worst of this mess.

 

Hi SSU,

 

She's a social worker and experienced therapist (retires in 3 years) who was helping me a bit after my total Hysterectomy and Oophorectomy this spring. She seems fascinated by my journey and is genuinely interested in learning more. I got so lucky when she agreed to see me twice a month, and she even comes to my home for each session. Sometimes it's an hour, sometimes an hour and a half -- the last session was 2 hours long! I don't get charged for it either.

 

With the therapy, I needed to delve deep to work on healing from what made me so bad off initially or I know that I would have just gone back to that hell I was in 8 years ago once I'm off the antidepressant. It wasn't easy, I cried sometimes, felt sick too sometimes, but I'll tell you, I'm FINALLY working through the abuse, trauma, etc. and I feel like it might be making my wd easier. Could they be related? 

 

I think that it's a brilliant idea to specialize in this area -- you'd have real life experience to help you guide others.

[Giulietta]

Hello all,

 

I highly recommend a therapist @Sheera- and @sunnysideup69 your therapist qualification explains your wisdom on SA! Thanks for all your help and support!

 

A few thoughts:

• I have seen several therapists over my adult life and recommend. Some are better than others. What is really important is if you and s/he are a fit and you are comfortable with each other. I recommend talking with them on the phone if you can before meeting with them. You may know then - or else give them one or two meetings if that doesn't workout.
• I don't know if I'd mention WD on the phone. I think maybe focusing on the issues around WD would be relevant - maybe you need help with CBT or talk therapy. Someone who listens to you andmakes suggestions for getting through this. Even though WD has its own fun set of symptoms - the emotional ones are their own misery - regardless of the chemical transmitter mayhem. Some therapists you could indicate that you are tapering off a medication and it has a lot of physical side effects - you are mad about this - trying tno accept and ncope and need his/her help. Maybe you don't mention the WD word?
• sometimes someone to talk with is better than no one - @sunnysideup69 what doyou think? AT a time when you need positive support.
• RE: WD. I had stopped meeting with a therapist but now are again. This lady is very nice and is covered by insurance. Note that many are not covered - so it is self-pay - at least in my state. Ask on the phone andhow much so you don't get surprised.
• I have mentioned (and am activated by) WD. This is tricky  because this lady works with a prescriber - in fact person who continued my prescription. In all fairness - this individual meant only well - but wasn't uninformed. If he didn't understand WD he was at least sympathetic. So - I have to be careful that my comments are not misunderstood. I talk quickly when activated - and a lot of informaiton - so it could be easy for me to confuse someone.
• Yesterday I meant to focus on other things - but WD took over the discussion when the visit began how I am feeling. I couldn't stop myself.

I hope this is helpful.

[sunnysideup69]

11 hours ago, EmergingFromTheVoid said:

 

Hi SSU,

 

She's a social worker and experienced therapist (retires in 3 years) who was helping me a bit after my total Hysterectomy and Oophorectomy this spring. She seems fascinated by my journey and is genuinely interested in learning more. I got so lucky when she agreed to see me twice a month, and she even comes to my home for each session. Sometimes it's an hour, sometimes an hour and a half -- the last session was 2 hours long! I don't get charged for it either.

 

With the therapy, I needed to delve deep to work on healing from what made me so bad off initially or I know that I would have just gone back to that hell I was in 8 years ago once I'm off the antidepressant. It wasn't easy, I cried sometimes, felt sick too sometimes, but I'll tell you, I'm FINALLY working through the abuse, trauma, etc. and I feel like it might be making my wd easier. Could they be related? 

 

I think that it's a brilliant idea to specialize in this area -- you'd have real life experience to help you guide others.

 

Your therapist sounds great! And yes, I guess the relief of working through those issues would be a relief. Anything that makes you feel better is surely going to help out with WD in some way. Hoping all's going well with the reductions, certainly sounds like you've gained the skills to cope with WD. That's half the battle

[Onmyway]

I find that psychologists are less biased in discussing WD or believing it as their whole identity doesn't depend on prescribing. Some can also be against prescribing. Some trauma therapists believe prescribing doesn't allow ppl to face their issues but rather numb legitimate feelings.  Mine wanted me to see a pdoc when I was having suicidal ideation. I refused and promised I'd be safe and she was ok. I recommend therapists as well - not just for dredging the past but for just emotional support. Mine did set me on spirals a couple of times so buyer beware but also helped a lot.

 

 

[Sheera]

Thank you all for replying. I do think I will try to find someone. I went to it when I initially was prescribed AD and it really did help. I think I just need someone to help me sort out what is truly a mess and what is a WD mess. I’m very private at my work about this whole thing and it’s often isolating. People come to me with their issues—anxiety, depression, etc and I give them all sorts of coping skills. It’s hard to explain that I can’t use them myself—to an extent. They do help in WD but not the same way they would if I was fully healed. My husband even offered to call some therapists and explain and kind of vet them for me. I think I may take him up on it. Maybe it’s his way of saying talk to someone else. Thanks again for your advice. So thankful for this site!  
 

❤️Sheera 

[gardenlady]

On 11/20/2019 at 8:34 PM, Sheera said:

Thank you all for replying. I do think I will try to find someone. I went to it when I initially was prescribed AD and it really did help. I think I just need someone to help me sort out what is truly a mess and what is a WD mess. I’m very private at my work about this whole thing and it’s often isolating. People come to me with their issues—anxiety, depression, etc and I give them all sorts of coping skills. It’s hard to explain that I can’t use them myself—to an extent. They do help in WD but not the same way they would if I was fully healed. My husband even offered to call some therapists and explain and kind of vet them for me. I think I may take him up on it. Maybe it’s his way of saying talk to someone else. Thanks again for your advice. So thankful for this site!  
 

❤️Sheera 

The therapists I've gone to are useless as they are as uninformed about withdrawal as the medical community, although, they don't seem to be as dismissive and condescending as their jobs don't depend on writing prescriptions.  It's just that they don't get it and so aren't helpful.  I've found that trying to get through to them and trying to make them understand that withdrawal is like being on a bad acid trip is too frustrating and, for me, is worse than not talking to anyone.  They sit and stare at me and seem flummoxed...they don't know what to say.  

 

That's been my experience, but perhaps others are more fortunate in finding a therapist who gets it. 

[carefulprayerful]

Therapy during withdrawal?

 

Good morning.  Has anyone had old trauma stuff come up during WD and started therapy?  I want to deal with my issues, but I don't want to overwhelm my CNS.  

 

Edited February 12, 2020 by manymoretodays
merged to pre existing topic, title added

[manymoretodays]

Hi carefulprayerful, @carefulprayerful

merged similar topics.

I've had some stuff come up during withdrawal to deal with.

Luckily I had established a good relationship with a therapist, LCSW, prior to more acute WD.

And so, for me, it's worked out well. 

She knows me well now, and accepts completely my going off medications, which helps.....a lot.

 

I think it can definitely depend on having a good fit with a therapist.

 

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

Edited February 12, 2020 by manymoretodays
added an @ notification for member

[carefulprayerful]

Thank you so much @manymoretodays.  I think it would be better for me to tackle some issues before I am fully off the Rx.  I want to do EMDR, which is not covered by my network, but if I am willing to spend on her, I think I have found someone good.  Wishing you healing, peace and happiness, CarefulP

[Johni]

 

would be interested in what benefits she saw from the therapy

[BfromNJ]

Hello.   I am currently seeing a wonderful therapist .  It helps.   

[Johni]

Hello. I'm glad to hear that. can you know what therapy and in what field can you help?

[Onmyway]

I have found various types of therapy helpful over the years. 

I liked CBT quite a lot, group therapy was helpful, biofeedback was helpful as well. 

I recently did EMDR for trauma and it was very very helpful and now interested in Internal Family Systems therapy which I have read a lot about but have not yet practiced with a therapist. From my own self-application, I find it useful. 

 

I do not find mindfulness helpful (I get anxious), general psychodynamic therapy where you just chat about your week with your therapist has been a waste of time for me - helpful in the short term to vent but not very helpful for change. 

 

I also think that the therapist may be more important than the therapy itself. 

[Johni]

 

Hello @Onmyway. Thanks for the answer. I actually needed just such information. I have been going to such conversational therapy for 2.5 years but I have not seen any benefit yet. I was wondering if other people benefit from other therapies. then it really is time to switch. Thanks.

[Kat66]

I'm thinking of having some talk therapy to tackle my anxiety and motivation issues and was wondering if this was a good idea during WD, considering it's probably all neuroemotions anyway and not 'real'? Has anyone done this or does anyone have any thoughts on this?

[Darren]

You know what stops me from going ahead with private therapy? Money. 

 

If someone is charging you, says a lot really. But maybe there are good ones. Plus I would prefer a counsellor who speaks from experience not a text book. 

[Farout]

I saw a therapist whilst in recovery and she was worth her weight in gold.  Talk therapy doesn't really help with anxiety - it could even make it worse.  CBT is very well proven to work though.  Make sure you see someone who knows the difference.

[Onmyway]

Hi @Kat66, 

I have had talk therapy for a large part of WD. It has helped deal with some of the neuro-emotions even if they are chemical. I had had CBT, which was useful, EMDR, which was also useful and now IFS based. I find that even just regular therapy has helped at times (psychodynamic) but I would suggest CBT or IFS if you have anxiety and EMDR if you have specific trauma. It is important to note that if you don't like your therapist, you should change them, you can find a better one, especially if you are seeing someone privately. 

 

You can self-refer on the NHS but it might take a long time to first be evaluated and then be seen - about 3 months to be evaluated in London  and about 6-9 to be seen 

Find an NHS psychological therapies service (IAPT) - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

 

You can get student therapists as well for cheaper BUT the quality would be more variable there.

How to find a therapist | Mind, the mental health charity - help for mental health problems

 

It will not take away your withdrawal symptoms but it will help manage some of them and avoid the emotional spirals in some cases (CBT). I am a fan of every kind of support one can get on this difficult road. 

 

OMW

 

 

[Kat66]

Thanks @Farout @Darren and @Onmyway for the replies. I'm not sure what I'll do yet but your input is most appreciated.

[joseantonio]

What are your thougts about psychoterapy during withdrawal? Is it wortht it or just a waste of time and money? 

[Plowie78]

I think therapy is an amazing avenue of healing at any point in life, especially at your lowest

plus, it doesn't have any side effects!

[Shep]

@joseantonio and @Plowie78

 

Please note I merged your last posts into this thread we already have going on therapy during withdrawal.