Posted by Iansf on November 21, 2009, at 16:21:30
In reply to Re: No benefit to adding psychotherapy to medication » morganator, posted by SLS on November 21, 2009, at 5:46:12
Personally, I never found any kind of psychotherapy helpful in dealing with depression. And I tried many different kinds of therapy. Some, in fact, made the situation worse - though I think that was due more to the arrogance of particular practitioners than the mode of therapy. Still, antidepressants were the only thing that helped.
Well, antidepressants and more recently one other factor. In contrast to Philippa's experience, I found that moving greatly benefitted me. But that's because I moved somewhere I knew I loved, not just anywhere. The reason I moved where I did - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - is that it seemed so friendly on numerous visits. Having moved here, that observation has borne itself out. I've gone from being alone much of the time, with only intermittent contact with friends, to building a very wide circle of friends, at least some of whom I see every day. I've discovered that a significant part of the reason for my loneliness indeed had to do with where I lived (San Francisco), not with something being wrong with me.
Which is not to say I could have come to this point without the help of antidepressants. They provided the necessary foundation to begin overcoming my shyness and exploring my options. But while living in San Francisco, I found I could never get beyond a certain point, even with meds. Here I have been able to move forward very fast - to such an extent that for the past three months, I haven't needed meds. I realize I may need them again sometime and will gladly take them if necessary. Nonetheless, the change of location to somewhere people actually seem to put friendship ahead of work, culture, fitness or whatever has been just as important as the meds in lifting my spirits.
poster:Iansf
thread:926342
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20091117/msgs/926455.html