Shortage of (psycho)therapists: So hard to find one

I distract myself listening to books, playing games on my phone. What helps the most is my writing projects. Putting together a book, writing a play. I've written a journal for a long time, but right now it's too difficult because I don't want to record the negative. And art - I got a second place in a trash art exhibit. I've exhausted people to talk to, even my husband. I was talking to my sister every day for awhile, but eventually she jumped on the bandwagon to bash me, although she was giving what she thought was well meaning advice. I've called the crisis line and I have an emergency plan. Basically, I've hit a wall with my current family situation,

Woke up crying this morning and couldn't go to church.

Volunteer. An excellent therapy. At a local hospital, food pantry, community center, shelter. Tutor at a local school. Yes, it certainly takes hard effort, are you willing? Right now. No excuses. NO excuses. You sound like an empathetic person, be there for others. On a scheduled basis. Your Community Health Center could help you find opportunities. Do it; the smallest step could help - most of all yourself. Yes, indeed. NOW.

@junkartist Doing something physical if you are able to, when your mood is down, helps me. Get out and go for a walk, focusing on the environment around you, gently pushing negative thoughts away, "Not now. I am watching the birds!" Pull weeds, repot some plants, do something positive.

Record what you want. You could write about those negative things, then burn them. Remind yourself they do not have to be part of your thinking process, that you are better off without them. Take small steps each day to look at things more positive. Change your environment with a new paint color, or different furniture placement. Being stuck is an easy place to be and takes courage to move beyond.

Family often offers support, but at times, because they may be part of your issues, they may not be the safest ones to turn to in crisis. There probably isn't one person reading this who hasn't had that same experience. I have been there, also. For me, I said it is in my best interest and health to not include those people in my ife for now. Maybe lter, maybe not.

Hope you are feeling better tis evening.
Ginger

@junkartist There is no doubt that getting in to see a psychotherapist is difficult right now. If a therapist does not take Medicare Plus I'd ask if they know of someone who does take your insurance. I know of many therapists who are opening their offices again but I think that teletherapy is here to stay. Have you considered intensive group therapy? While you may prefer individual it is possible that you may find it easier get into an available DBT group. I'd keep calling and also ask to be placed on a waitlist. I'm sorry I don't have better advice for you other than to offer my support.

This is an excellent reply. However, does she really want more constructive ideas? Cognitive therapy would help - but that focuses on actually changing. Effective therapy is not just listening and "understanding." One "therapy" is to volunteer - get out of yourself. Just do it. Tutor at a local school, volunteer at a community center or at a hospital or food pantry. Schedule this. So many opportunities to help others, instead of endlessly trying to find ever more therapy. But that takes effort; it is hard at first, no doubt about it. Willingness. No excuses.

Hi Junkartist, it's good that you have the crisis line on hand and that you call them when necessary, and that you have an emergency plan in place.

I hope you are encouraged by the support and tips you've received from community members here on Mayo Clinic Connect. How are you doing today?

A DBT group is a great idea. It is hard when you have Medicare because the Medicare laws will not cover a graduate-level counselor. In order to take a Medicare client, one must be a psychologist or a social worker. That narrows down the field quite a bit. There have been a variety of groups who have petitioned Congress to change this but it has not happened yet. I am sorry you're having such a frustrating time! There are few things more frustrating than being willing to reach out for help and find an unavailable.

Please look at http://www.psychologytoday.com