This is assuming that it has been suggested to you, asked of you, or crossed your mind at some point.

I cannot relate to refusing to go talk to a professional or refraining from seeking help in dealing with issues. Life is hard enough so I want the fastest route to recovery possible. I see it like doing my taxes - I didn't go to school to learn how to file my taxes, and I like having a professional with whom I can call for help. That way I don't have to be the SME in tax prep/filings/etc.

I'm curious why others refuse to seek professional help when it comes to mental health. My assumption is fear - fear of vulnerability and the fear of being judged - but I don't know.

Right - but why?

Same. And now can't recommend counseling/therapy enough to people. It was a life changer for me.

In my experience with two people who need therapy more than anyone I've ever known, it's a couple of things:

1) A very strong belief that it doesn't actually work because it's not "scientific."

2) Therapy is usually really painful in the beginning. There isn't a lot of incentive to keep going if the first couple of sessions just totally wreck you.

The second reason is what kept me from committing to consistent therapy for a while. I'd start with a therapist, go once or twice, and then give up because it was too painful. Then I found a great therapist who was super supportive through the difficult period of those initial sessions. He also called me out on my bull**** when I started to withdraw and wanted to cancel appointments early on and it made all the difference in the world.

I concur op, I'm the type who wants to fix the problem ASAP. There is still a stigma that poor mental health means you're a loony

713nervy said:

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Right - but why?

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Because I walked into a Pysch class at A&M in the summer of 92 and found the PhD Candidate professor less than adequate. After going through the syllabus, she admitted that her mother and sister had committed suicide and she had attempted it twice.

I immediately volunteered to do 4 papers versus committing to her "research" project. Easiest A I ever got.

How is someone like this able to enter into academia? I can only imagine the damage she did to impressionable minds while at A&M and to anyone her students attempted to counsel over the years....

wangus12 said:

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Because its typically expensive as hell

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it doesnt have to be. If you see a licensed professional counselor, its typically just your copay.

It's not that I didn't go. It's that I went and didn't listen, which was most likely because I hadn't finished self destructing yet

hedge said:

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what does a psych prof have to do with going to a therapist ?

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Where do therapists (Psychologists) come from?

If this lady was an example of average, I damn sure dont want to see Someone below average.....

she doesnt sound like a licensed counselor, just a college for life person

TheArtistFormerlyKnownAs said:

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It's always a woman who suggests someone else go see a therapist

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What does this add to the thread, or how is this addressing the OP?

You are familiar with this board, no?

Plus the statement wasn't far from the truth.

Nervy, shame is also one. Vulnerability is the most terrifying part to most I bet. However, if you have a group of friends with whom you can be completely vulnerable you are less likely to need therapy.

80s Guy said:

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713nervy said:

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Right - but why?

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Because I walked into a Pysch class at A&M in the summer of 92 and found the PhD Candidate professor less than adequate. After going through the syllabus, she admitted that her mother and sister had committed suicide and she had attempted it twice.

I immediately volunteered to do 4 papers versus committing to her "research" project. Easiest A I ever got.

How is someone like this able to enter into academia? I can only imagine the damage she did to impressionable minds while at A&M and to anyone her students attempted to counsel over the years....

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Wait a minute - you refuse to go to therapy because of a completely unrelated person from almost 30 years ago?

I'm sad that you're passing judgment over someone because of life components completely out of their control. We're all trying to make the best life out of the cards we've been dealt. Depression is a medical disease like any other. That's like telling someone they can't be a doctor because they have diabetes.

713nervy said:

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MEEN Ag 05 said:

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713nervy said:

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Right - but why?

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The same reason that if I walk into a room and see a circle of chairs I turn around and walk right out.

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Because you're afraid of Duck, Duck, Goose? Explain.

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SHAME! That's right!!! That's probably bigger than fear, especially for men. I forgot about that one!

Nope

It's alright for some people, but I don't think I'd care for it.