Online therapy sessions?

[Socalx09]

I know I usually vent on here when life gets sideways and you guys always pull me out of a hole. But, this time… I may need some professional help. Today could have been very bad. Thankfully, my dad is ok. I won’t go into detail like normal right now.

Can anyone recommend the phone or video therapy sessions? Is it legit? I just don’t have the time to go in. Maybe you know of someone who has used this service before?

I just can’t handle shit anymore. I am beyond my capacity of juggling right now. I try really hard to be positive and I’m so beat dken. With my grandma, some days are a lot harder than others, but I can get it together. The added stress of my dad’s health has weighed me down. It is a lot, and won’t be any better until mid-May at the soonest right now.

I also have slept terribly for months. I wake up with my fists clenched and barely can open them in the morning. Usually I will run them under warm water in the morning.

and then today happened- I just sat in the shower unable to cry. I normally can cry, but this time I felt numb. I am ok. I just think I have reached my limit right now.

In boat related news- the tire guy came out and put new tires on the boat this morning. Found out the boat tires were from 2015, not 2019 when we last put tires on!
.Next Wednesday is stereo time!
Boat and trailer will be detailed next month

 

[hallett21]

Look into Lyra Health. A lot of times insurance covers a portion of the cost.

You’re only as good as the person helping you. And it may take a few tries

if you don’t like the therapist you can send them down the road and try someone new.

 

[golakers]

Getting it off your chest will Help. Everyone is battling something. Some harder than others. Stay strong. You got this!

 

[FlyByWire]

First off, good on you for realizing it’s time for some help.

When I went through my divorce I just about had a frequent flier card for therapy. Part of that was online / zoom, and even text. I’m a better person for it.

It may take a couple tries to get the right fit / dynamic, as it did with me.. but that’s OK too.

Edit; most insurance will cover this. They have a certain number of visits per “problem type” typically… but these therapists are all on the same page, and they’ll find “new” problems to talk about and that starts you a new number of visits.. but check on that of course.

 

[4Waters]

Your medical insurance may cover something, if you have Kaiser they have what you are looking for. Just reach out to your primary care physician and they can get you in touch with the right people.

 

[Willie B]

… if you do go to the online therapy, route or some form of therapy it might be a good idea to post at least some of it on here… unless you do not want it accessible to the masses…
… there is something that I really do believe exists… that it is called the common mind… the place to go for the common mind is here on River Dave‘s Place…as you are going through what you are going through…the people on here are very capable of thinking along with you, and feeling along with you… Trust me, it’s a big help…… you are a very strong young lady… But sometimes we all need something a little extra special to lean on…

 

[NicPaus]

I don't have any recommendations. But I hope you find a good 1. Stay strong Friend .

 

[Smupser]

Just know you’re not the only one and not alone.

we all fight our own demons and a lot of us( myself included) sometimes feel like there’s no one to talk or turn to, but there is

hang in there, get Some help, and you will see the sun will rise again tomorrow

 

[DaytonaBabe]

You should very feel proud of yourself for realizing that you need a little extra support right now. Everyone does from time to time. You are a very strong woman, but everyone has their limits. It was mentioned earlier, but take a look at Lyra - many employers offer this as part of your benefits. They can do calls, video chat, etc. It can be so helpful to have someone to bounce things off of and learn about ways to approach things that you may be struggling with.

I've also heard about BetterHelp on Joe Rogan - the link below has a 10% discount.

Sending a hug your way. Hang in there.

Leading Global Workforce Mental Health Care | Lyra Health

Lyra is your partner in building a culture that celebrates mental well-being. Learn more about how to partner with Lyra and transform workforce mental health.

www.lyrahealth.com

BetterHelp

https://www.betterhelp.com/get-started/?transaction_id=102481767deb0c46bcf37261c91906&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=1093&utm_medium=Android&utm_content=&utm_term=jre&not_found=1&gor=start-go

TalkSpace

https://www.talkspace.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=sembrand&utm_campaign=Search_Google_Brand_Exact_BS_Talkspace&utm_content=113384590544&utm_term=talkspace&e&m&sitelinkid=&locationid=9029984&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-r-vBhC-ARIsAGgUO2BEPQ47kAxUJ2IODpO06bKlWlM-F5XQhGR0xKmU8Rqd6C-S3h8wzXwaAktdEALw_wcB

 

[Socalx09]

Thank you all so much. I think one of the problems is I cannot organize my thoughts. I just spiral out of control with this. I know exactly how to treat my grandma and what to do. I am so calm in emergencies with her that the paramedics always think I am a nurse and not her granddaughter. I can usually pre diagnose what is happening with her before a blood test because I have just been around her for so long.

With my dad- this is so foreign. Whatever is going on, I have no idea what to do with it. I can handle his dialysis, but his decision making is seriously making me think there is a cognitive issue. He was just tested for severe sleep apnea-, he will fall asleep talking to you. He is currently sleep walking in my living room since I have decided from today’s actions that this is the safest place he can be right now. I have contacted his doctor to see what else can be done. I will see if the dialysis kidney doctor is in the clinic tomorrow to talk to her. I know kidney issues can lead to a cognitive decline. This has just felt more accelerated recently.

 

[Socalx09]

Look into Lyra Health. A lot of times insurance covers a portion of the cost.

You’re only as good as the person helping you. And it may take a few tries

if you don’t like the therapist you can send them down the road and try someone new.

You should very feel proud of yourself for realizing that you need a little extra support right now. Everyone does from time to time. You are a very strong woman, but everyone has their limits. It was mentioned earlier, but take a look at Lyra. They can do calls, video chat, etc. It can be so helpful to have someone to bounce things off of and learn about ways to approach things that you may be struggling with.

I've also heard about BetterHelp on Joe Rogan - the link below has a 10% discount

Sending a hug your way. Hang in there.

Leading Global Workforce Mental Health Care | Lyra Health

Lyra is your partner in building a culture that celebrates mental well-being. Learn more about how to partner with Lyra and transform workforce mental health.

www.lyrahealth.com

https://www.betterhelp.com/get-started/?transaction_id=102481767deb0c46bcf37261c91906&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=1093&utm_medium=Android&utm_content=&utm_term=jre&not_found=1&gor=start-go

Thank you both for this . I will check it out right now. I just can’t even begin to know to know where to start with what is in my head and know I need more help then my usual coping methods of a good cry and music. Plus, I cannot keep just putting this on my husband despite him saying he is ok. Because I don’t feel that it’s ok to just have him be the punching bag of my feelings right now.

 

[Ducksquasher]

Stay strong...praying for you and your family.

 

[hallett21]

Thank you both for this . I will check it out right now. I just can’t even begin to know to know where to start with what is in my head and know I need more help then my usual coping methods of a good cry and music. Plus, I cannot keep just putting this on my husband despite him saying he is ok. Because I don’t feel that it’s ok to just have him be the punching bag of my feelings right now.

You’re a bigger badass than most from what you’ve shared. We all have our limit though. And for you to recognize that you need help is huge in itself.

You’ve got this. Just make sure you’re happy with whoever is helping you. If you’re not jiving with them, just move on to someone who works for you.

 

[Socalx09]

First off, good on you for realizing it’s time for some help.

When I went through my divorce I just about had a frequent flier card for therapy. Part of that was online / zoom, and even text. I’m a better person for it.

It may take a couple tries to get the right fit / dynamic, as it did with me.. but that’s OK too.

Edit; most insurance will cover this. They have a certain number of visits per “problem type” typically… but these therapists are all on the same page, and they’ll find “new” problems to talk about and that starts you a new number of visits.. but check on that of course.

Your medical insurance may cover something, if you have Kaiser they have what you are looking for. Just reach out to your primary care physician and they can get you in touch with the right people.

Thank you for that information. From what I am reading- insurances are now referring to a therapist? I went many years ago with a referral from Kaiser and it was a psychologist that talked to me for less then 15 minutes and wanted to prescribe me medication. So I wasn’t sure about the Kaiser route, but I do have kaiser.

 

[FlyByWire]

Thank you for that information. From what I am reading- insurances are now referring to a therapist? I went many years ago with a referral from Kaiser and it was a psychologist that talked to me for less then 15 minutes and wanted to prescribe me medication. So I wasn’t sure about the Kaiser route, but I do have kaiser.

Kaiser absolutely has the network for what you’re asking about!

Keep your head up, you’re doing great.

 

[bilz]

Kaiser does have the non prescription pushing therapist.
You'll get a phone appointment usually much quicker than a face to face.
Stay strong, you're already headed in the right direction!

 

[Orange Juice]

Not sure if this will help, but I can change my day watching a couple short videos.

This ones my favor. As close as I'm going to get of me at the high school drags in 1979. ( Video was in 1980).

If they only had cell phone cameras in 1970’s…

 

[Mr. C]

Try looking up
RULA health
Online therapist and I believe you can pre approval from your insurance before your first zoom or phone session.

 

[Warlock1]

My wife goes to counseling but another thing that she did was see a Functional Doctor (Naturalpath(sp)). They found that her hormones were so out of whack that there were days she was a completely different person. Anger, lost, unable to deal with simple issues, you name it she experienced it. Now that she has her hormones right she is able to handle anything that comes her way and she is back to her happy self.

Kudos for you to reach out. People need not suffer alone. Men or women need to see the value of self care and support when things go sideways.

 

[Jay Dub]

I know I usually vent on here when life gets sideways and you guys always pull me out of a hole. But, this time… I may need some professional help. Today could have been very bad. Thankfully, my dad is ok. I won’t go into detail like normal right now.

Can anyone recommend the phone or video therapy sessions? Is it legit? I just don’t have the time to go in. Maybe you know of someone who has used this service before?

I just can’t handle shit anymore. I am beyond my capacity of juggling right now. I try really hard to be positive and I’m so beat dken. With my grandma, some days are a lot harder than others, but I can get it together. The added stress of my dad’s health has weighed me down. It is a lot, and won’t be any better until mid-May at the soonest right now.

I also have slept terribly for months. I wake up with my fists clenched and barely can open them in the morning. Usually I will run them under warm water in the morning.

and then today happened- I just sat in the shower unable to cry. I normally can cry, but this time I felt numb. I am ok. I just think I have reached my limit right now.

In boat related news- the tire guy came out and put new tires on the boat this morning. Found out the boat tires were from 2015, not 2019 when we last put tires on!
.Next Wednesday is stereo time!
Boat and trailer will be detailed next month
View attachment 1346712

You have made the most important step. Realizing that you could use help. Just saying it out loud is part of the process. I do not have any specific referral other than you and the therapist must "fit". After a session or two, you will know. Insurance should pay for this.

 

[Waterjunky]

Kaiser has programs and will help.
Look into GrowTherapy.com they have a very good web portal for managing it and having meetings online. I do not have the time to drive a half hour or better one way for appointments. This is simple login. I have a friend who works as a social worker at Kaiser, she was very clear that they are noticeably better in these regards.

My world came unglued this fall. I was struggling to the point I was bordering on catatonic at times. I have never been anywhere like this before in life. Reach out for help. The biggest challenge is it takes time for all these groups to get up to speed and get you in the system.

 

[Xtrmwakeboarder]

I have friends that use Talkspace as insurance covers it. They had to run through a few people first, but really like it now.

 

[Cole Trickle]

Great job reaching out and looking for help.

There is a great chance that the needs of your father are above your ability. Therapy might be a good short term solution but I don’t think it’s a great idea to drag yourself through the mud if it’s something that really requires a professional solution.

Be honest and fair to yourself.

 

[Socalx09]

Thank you everyone! I took all your advice and scheduled with kaiser. I had my intake session last week and have one tomorrow as well. Also - going to try mediation before I go to bed. Jut trying small things to not feel so stressed out. I just couldn't handle it all anymore and saying everything was ok.

When I went to pick up my dad monday morning from his dialysis appointment, a case worker was there visiting. She asked if I was driving him to and from his appointments and I said yes. I found out that his transportation with medicare will be provided. So they arranged private transportation to and from his home. That is such a huge relief for me. No more 3am drives! It started yesterday and he was picked up on time and dropped off. My dad didn't like it at first because he sees disability and these benefits as "charity." I try to explain to him that he paid into all of this. We will just take it one day at a time.

 

[samsah33]

I've been using online therapy since Aug 24, 2020 and my wife has noticed a distinct change in attitude after a couple visits to the dungeon, so I guess it must be working...?

Seriously tho, glad to hear you're reaching out, I would assume online therapy would be no different than live - interview your potential counselor(s) to make sure they're compatible, one size definitely does not fit all whether live or online. If you don't click with your first counselor, then move on and try again.

I reluctantly started working with an online guitar tutor in Korea. He's an American living in Korea and has a PhD in music from Princeton, so he's a pretty sharp guy, and he charges for 1 hour what I pay a local in-person for 30 mins. Point is that I had reservations about online lessons, but the cost savings plus no travel to a studio plus his experience changed my mind pretty quickly. I would absolutely consider online therapy based on my positive experience with my online tutor.

Good luck.

 

[4Waters]

Thank you everyone! I took all your advice and scheduled with kaiser. I had my intake session last week and have one tomorrow as well. Also - going to try mediation before I go to bed. Jut trying small things to not feel so stressed out. I just couldn't handle it all anymore and saying everything was ok.

When I went to pick up my dad monday morning from his dialysis appointment, a case worker was there visiting. She asked if I was driving him to and from his appointments and I said yes. I found out that his transportation with medicare will be provided. So they arranged private transportation to and from his home. That is such a huge relief for me. No more 3am drives! It started yesterday and he was picked up on time and dropped off. My dad didn't like it at first because he sees disability and these benefits as "charity." I try to explain to him that he paid into all of this. We will just take it one day at a time.

Great news that you are getting some help now, I know RDP helps some but we as a group can only help so much, we are more supportive than anything and having a good support system is always a good thing. I'm glad you got some relief with transportation for your dad.

 

[4Waters]

I’m starting to get a little itchy myself.. I have mine in my Ally savings and it’s at about 4.5(ish) and I keep looking to see where else I can stick it (giggity) for a better return.

Are you scratching in the right thread?

 

[stephenkatsea]

Your prior posts covering your challenges were always inspirational . Your current posts are also. Particularly your acknowledging the need for assistance. That, in itself, may well be very helpful words for some. Thank you for your posts.

 

[mjc]

Thank you everyone! I took all your advice and scheduled with kaiser. I had my intake session last week and have one tomorrow as well. Also - going to try mediation before I go to bed. Jut trying small things to not feel so stressed out. I just couldn't handle it all anymore and saying everything was ok.

When I went to pick up my dad monday morning from his dialysis appointment, a case worker was there visiting. She asked if I was driving him to and from his appointments and I said yes. I found out that his transportation with medicare will be provided. So they arranged private transportation to and from his home. That is such a huge relief for me. No more 3am drives! It started yesterday and he was picked up on time and dropped off. My dad didn't like it at first because he sees disability and these benefits as "charity." I try to explain to him that he paid into all of this. We will just take it one day at a time.

If you someone else to talk to my DIL just started her practice of phone therapy. Does it part time after working for SBCO social services. Pm me if interested.

 

[DLC]

I think it’s Fantastic that you reached out and said something !

Taking care of 2 people w/ medical issues is extremely difficult and taxing on yourself…
Knowing and feeling that you can’t do everything by your self is HUGE !!

Think of it as placing Your oxygen mask on your self 1st then helping your loved ones apply their mask….

You need to right - Mind, Body and Soul
In order to help out & be the best you!

You got this

 

[monkeyswrench]

No matter how it feels, no one fights their battles alone. The people we view as the strongest in any given venue, have received some form of help. Athletes have trainers, businessmen have consultants...and we have friends and family.

We may feel alone, and struggle to prove our strength and independence, but sometimes it feels like we're drowning. That's about the time we may look around. It's dark and cold, but there are many hands reaching through the darkness, and they can help you. Weird thing is, when you come up, you may see some of that help was offered by people you don't know, those you haven't spoken with in some time, or even just things that happened when you were too preoccupied to look.

You're doing better than you think. Even though you may not realize it at times. Knowing you need help, in itself, is a strength many fail to find.

 

[Socalx09]

At first I thought online therapy would be strange. I am not a face time fan in the first place. But, it is a little more comfortable sitting on your own couch and talking things over. I already feel like I can breathe better.

This breakdown happened after my dad called me in the morning. I knew it was a bad call because of the time. He was in an accident with a semi truck. He was ok, but the car was totaled. I made the decision to take away his keys since we couldn’t figure out fault. It looks to be 50/50 now and he was very upset with me that day. He unraveled throughout the day and I just couldn’t take it. This man was my hero, he could do it all and never be tired. Now, he struggles a lot and I had to take away his freedom of driving. So after seeing how he acted that day, I just had to reach out for help.

My dad actually likes the transportation service now since they have been on time and he is no longer worried about that. Now I just go to visit, and drive him around for errands. He wants an e-bike so I’m trying to find one thats in a decent price range.

Grandma gave us a scare last night. We were relaxing watching a movie and She texted me that she was having shortness of breath and to come to her room. I took her blood pressure and oxygen and it was normal. She pointed to her sternum. I remembered she had a hard time swallowing her soup just 30 minutes before hand. Couldn’t find the nitrostat, and she continued to have shortness of breath for 5 minutes. When she said her face felt numb, I called 911. They came and assessed her. Everything normal and we came to the conclusion it might be indigestion. She felt better after an hour and a pepto. So it is definitely always something going on and I hope I can get a weekend of no worries soon.

 

[DaytonaBabe]

At first I thought online therapy would be strange. I am not a face time fan in the first place. But, it is a little more comfortable sitting on your own couch and talking things over. I already feel like I can breathe better.

This breakdown happened after my dad called me in the morning. I knew it was a bad call because of the time. He was in an accident with a semi truck. He was ok, but the car was totaled. I made the decision to take away his keys since we couldn’t figure out fault. It looks to be 50/50 now and he was very upset with me that day. He unraveled throughout the day and I just couldn’t take it. This man was my hero, he could do it all and never be tired. Now, he struggles a lot and I had to take away his freedom of driving. So after seeing how he acted that day, I just had to reach out for help.

My dad actually likes the transportation service now since they have been on time and he is no longer worried about that. Now I just go to visit, and drive him around for errands. He wants an e-bike so I’m trying to find one thats in a decent price range.

Grandma gave us a scare last night. We were relaxing watching a movie and She texted me that she was having shortness of breath and to come to her room. I took her blood pressure and oxygen and it was normal. She pointed to her sternum. I remembered she had a hard time swallowing her soup just 30 minutes before hand. Couldn’t find the nitrostat, and she continued to have shortness of breath for 5 minutes. When she said her face felt numb, I called 911. They came and assessed her. Everything normal and we came to the conclusion it might be indigestion. She felt better after an hour and a pepto. So it is definitely always something going on and I hope I can get a weekend of no worries soon.

Glad to read that you're feeling a bit better. Hang in there!

 

[Socalx09]

quick update-

I’ve lost 12lbs in 3.5 weeks. Just following some of your recommendations and my therapist. My previous routine was once I got home, I would sit on a couch and my brain would go into cycles of being overwhelmed thinking about the next day. Recently, i have shifted my focus and thought about what I could do with my free time that I have right now. So I have been taking an extra walk when I get home- I walk the dogs in the morning. Playing with a soccer ball, doing yoga, or stretching etc. The last two days, it have been warm in chino, so I heated the pool and did an hour of laps in it. My mind totally shut off. I then floated for a bit trying to not think of anything.

I got lucky that I have connected with the first therapist. My dad is improving since his procedure and should be doing dialysis at home next month which will be a huge relief for me.

Reaching out and asking for help works. And, I highly recommend online therapy if you can’t make it into an office. It is a lot more flexible.

 

[ChumpChange]

Fantastic update!

 

[DaytonaBabe]

Love hearing that you are doing better!

 

[Justfishing]

Stay away from the physic hotlines.

 

[Waterjunky]

Its amazing how fast some initial relief comes when you start. I was the same. Something about just knowing you are doing the right thing and that steps are being taken. I could feel the load change.

Thank you for the update..... We all appreciate it.