For me cognitive behavioral therapy with a very good psychotherapist was fundamental. I will just say what my therapist told me at the end of the first meeting "If you want it to work it will work, but if your problems were created in years of mental distress they won't go away any faster, it will be a long way. Be prepared."
Almost 3yr later I still have some very random depressive toughs in my head and sometime two or three very bad hours, but now I can recognize them for what they are and that part of my mind lost any real control on my daily life. I can focus freely on my work, I can finally sleep like a normal person and my biorhythm is finally decent after years of total randomness caused by almost self-imposed insomnia.
Consider investing in it, it was probably the best decision of my whole life.
Thanks for saying this. It sounds very similar to my situation. I have recently picked up the book "Feeling Good" by David Burns, MD and it has been helping. After years of therapy, I felt like I should be "fixed". Though things are better, that is not the case. It is constant and serious work with a focus on getting better. I do realize a big part of my problem is lifestyle. As you were saying, my self imposed insomnia, plus the stress and pressure I put on myself day to day. Glad to hear that you are doing better, and your post has encouraged me to seek out a therapist once more.
> For me cognitive behavioral therapy with a very good psychotherapist was fundamental.
How does one go about finding a good therapist? At $100+ per hour, I could see it costing potentially thousands to find someone that's just good, let alone very good.
In the past the wife and I tried going to a few different marriage counselors, it was not very encouraging.
In my state, marriage counselors have weaker licensure requirements than therapists, down to being licensable with a theology degree and a short practicum. Find out what licenses exist where you live and avoid anyone who hasn't completed the stricter license. Where I live the license to look for is Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
One possible place to check is your local university. I know the one by me has a good clinical psych program and they run a clinic that is open to the public. They charge on a sliding scale based on your income so it may be more affordable.
Almost 3yr later I still have some very random depressive toughs in my head and sometime two or three very bad hours, but now I can recognize them for what they are and that part of my mind lost any real control on my daily life. I can focus freely on my work, I can finally sleep like a normal person and my biorhythm is finally decent after years of total randomness caused by almost self-imposed insomnia.
Consider investing in it, it was probably the best decision of my whole life.