Posted by Pfinstegg on November 29, 2005, at 11:49:49
In reply to Depression questions, posted by happyflower on November 29, 2005, at 11:12:05
I think you might be. Anger, difficulty sleeping, concentrating and getting things done are all signs of it. I have just been wondering to myself the combination of wonderful changes and difficult decisions/possible losses which you have gone through in the last year. You have obviously gotten SO much better from your therapy- to the point where you- and others-really know it. Aiming to play classical trumpet is so exciting, and will be so much fun.
But you did describe quite severe abuse in your childhood, as well as the enormous stress of an ill mother. I have always thought that your therapy, while extremely helpful, was awfully short.
Now you are going only once a month, which sounds like a termination phase. It might be, that, while you made all these wonderful changes in just a year, that there are lingering, perhaps less conscious feelings from your childhood which you are now strong enough to address. And you have the situation of a very positive (sexy?) transference and counter-transference. I think that's a great gift! But, having experienced it myself, I do think it needs to be worked through. If I were going to choose for you, I would love to see you go to your T about twice a week for several more years- and just deal with whatever comes up! I am in my third year of psychoanalysis. I am so much more confident and able to function much closer to my abilities, but in the analysis itself, I am dealing with early trauma and suffering that I scarcely knew about. It is frightening. I feel very regressed in my sessions- almost like I'm sicker- but when they are over, the adult me sort of pops back up, and I realize how much my analyst has helped me.It would also be good to work out your marriage situation- one way or another- while you still have the support and help of your therapist. You have something wonderful- you and your therapist are a really "good match" I would use that to get as strong and well as you can (you have already shown that you are well on your way). Have all the romantic and sexual feelings, but don't act them out. He has so much more to give you as your therapist.
From personal experience, i would be very cautious about starting medications, if you and he conclude that you are clinically depressed. I'd rely more on the therapeutic alliance which you have- it's better than anythink that comes in a bottle! I'm just saying this to you, as you are now. Many people really do need them, and they can be life-savers.
poster:Pfinstegg
thread:583315
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20051118/msgs/583326.html