4-5 month waiting list for counselling service what should I do now?

[Harambulus]

I was referred by my doc to the counseling service a while back but canceled the appointment thinking they wouldn't be any use to me.

Well since my existential malaise has been peaking again I looked into getting another appointment and they said 4-5 months.

So what are some alternatives? I am not gonna pay for private as I don't think it'd be worth it. I only thought I'd give them another shot as it would have been free. I had counseling quite a bit in university but found it pretty impotent although I got a couple of ok insights now and then.

I might as well learn the psychology myself in that time...

I'm not sure what I was looking to get out of it.

The issues I have are with my family and sorting out the relationship (maintaining my autonomy and that) with both parents so any recommendations on steps to take on that front? Reading etc.?

 

[tiggerific]

how about you start with what makes you feel happy, such as taking a walk listening to music what hobbies you like. take some time out and write a list of what makes you feel stressed and anxious and what makes you feel relaxed happy and comfortable.
what to do once you have written the list is to see how you can pair up certain things, such as visiting family makes you feel stressed but a 10 minute walk destresses you, so have the walk before going and after you leave.
relationship say with friends are causing anxiety, however taking pictures of wildlife makes you feel at ease take pictures on your way and talk about it with them and on your way home.

People quite often feel more anxious when they have time to think, so think of what you can do to distract you, keep your mind occupied with other things then it may help lessen the stress till you can talk to someone.

A couple of things to remember are that, not every situation you see or hear can you do anything about, instead look for a positive in things it may be just you do not follow in that situation, it may be that you can then talk about that situation with knowledge of being there and knowing more.

Today is not tomorrow and tomorrow there will be something else, maybe something to look forward to, instead of today's problems.

It is ok to have bad days, it's fine not to look fantastic every moment of everyday. It's fine you can not be there for everyone at all times. Spreading yourself too thin is just as bad as not being there for anyone. look at the time you have, schedule in "me" time, if your forget that then you are doing yourself more harm than good. Sometimes you have to be selfish to be the best you can be.

This might not help you one little bit but might give you something to think about other than just the stress in your life.

 

[Mehm]

The issues I have are with my family and sorting out the relationship (maintaining my autonomy and that) with both parents so any recommendations on steps to take on that front? Reading etc.?

Check out the book Codependent No More

Here is a website I found at the top of a google search http://www.allaboutcounseling.com/codependency.htm

Look for meetings of Codependent Anonymous. It is kind of like a free, group counseling session. I don't know if you are actually codependent but it sounds like you might gain some insights from learning about this type of behavior.

Good luck. I hope you feel better soon.

 

[Harambulus]

Thanks.

I actually had a discussion with my mother today of the issues which were disturbing me about our relationship which cleared alot of things up or at least laid the groundwork of letting her know my position which she was understanding of and seemed to take well.

That was kind of a weight off.