Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 36

Thread: I Need Therapy.

  1. #1
    Yekhefah
    Guest

    I Need Therapy.

    I have finally reached such a low point that I NEED therapy. I have no money though. I have way too much debt, and bills, and I've urgently needed some dental work for several months but can't afford it, etc. I'm thoroughly depressed, mostly about money, but it's gotten so bad that I can't see any way out and I feel like I have no reason to get up in the morning. All I do is bang my head against a wall. I want to stop being so bitter and cynical, and I want to find joy in life again. I think therapy would really be good for me.

    But, I can't afford it. Is there, by any chance, a mental health version of Planned Parenthood, where those of us who owe more than we make can get public-service therapy free of charge? Or am I just S.O.L.?

  2. #2
    madmaxine
    Guest

    Default Re: I Need Therapy.

    In a bittersweet way, California is a good state to seek mental health services, because the state is chock full of people whose mental illness is a threat to the public (don't ask me how I know this.) LA County must have substantial free & low-cost services due to the population density (a lot of state medical funding for counties is apportioned by population numbers.)
    Call mental health services in the phone book & explain your situation. Human services can also be of assistance.

  3. #3
    God/dess
    Joined
    Jun 2006
    Location
    North side of no-where
    Posts
    2,279
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts

    Default Re: I Need Therapy.

    Yek,

    Sorry I can only sympathize, just be thankful you don't have to have dental done down here. I hate to admit it, but I broke a tooth (long story) and it is $AUD3500 to replace it here.

    I know more about tooth pain and expensive dental work, and putting it off than I ever care to share or know.
    One more cup of coffee for the road,
    One more cup of coffee 'fore I go
    To the valley below....

    Slowly moseying my way to the exit.
    A Blogging?

  4. #4
    Yekhefah
    Guest

    Default Re: I Need Therapy.

    Thanks, y'all. I would be way too creeped out to get dental work done in Mexico! Their sanitary standards are way below ours, and I don't speak Spanish. I would be afraid of miscommunication and dirty tools. I have recently discovered that the L.A. Free Clinic occasionally does dental work, so I'm going to call them when I get back in town (I leave Saturday morning for a two-week trip). Hopefully that'll help with the dental.

    As for the mental health situation, which is getting to be more pressing than the dental, I will definitely take that advice, Maxine. Maybe I can start when I get back into town. I just can't even get motivated to improve the situation anymore; I've been knocked down so many times that now I can't make myself get up, even though I know I have to. I hate being like this. I miss being a hopeful young artist who believed in cinema, back when I knew I had a promising future. I would do anything to get that back.

  5. #5
    Senior Member Pinup Girl's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Portland, Oregon
    Posts
    184
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: I Need Therapy.

    I just started a thread about therapy. Try to google "sliding scale" and "counselor" and "[your town]" together and see what you find. After just two sessions (total $30) of therapy, I feel incredibly better and stronger. I am already learning:

    - how to base my self-worth on something that doesn't change
    - how to defend myself against abuse of all forms, abuse that we all encounter on a daily basis
    - how to practice self-care
    - how to never settle and how to never be controlled
    - breathing techniques to calm me down

    My therapist even suggested I take aikido.

    Plus, just talking about all the crazy, fucked-up shit that's happened to me since, oh, the age of 12 is very cathartic!

  6. #6
    Yekhefah
    Guest

    Default Re: I Need Therapy.

    Maybe, but by the time I drive to Tijuana and back, with hotels and whatever, I might as well have stayed here and gone to a regular dentist. I got one wisdom tooth pulled at the UCLA dental clinic, and they did a good job for $120, but I definitely can't afford to get the rest of it done there. The free clinic is probably my safest bet. I'm not really worried about the dental work at this point; my emotional health is what is scaring me.

    I sat down this morning and tried to think of all my reasons to live. I could only come up with one - I am scared to die. That's it. I have no other motivation to keep on going, and that worries me.

  7. #7
    Featured Member Krazyjane's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2005
    Posts
    1,269
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts

    Default Re: I Need Therapy.

    Are there any dental schools in the area?

  8. #8
    Yekhefah
    Guest

    Default Re: I Need Therapy.

    How do I walk away from being an unemployed washout with no career?

  9. #9
    madmaxine
    Guest

    Default Re: I Need Therapy.

    I had dental work done in Mexico, it was minor though. & An American dentist complimented it. However, if one really doesn't feel comfortable going that route, it's understandable.

    Some established private practice dentists will allow payment plans if the patient can make a substantial down payment. (I used a Carecredit card to fund some dental work, but the interest rate is horrendous.)

    I do have to warn against the Western Dental chain of clinics. It appears that one would be better off seeking low-cost or free dental services than going to Western Dental.

  10. #10
    God/dess VenusGoddess's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Home
    Posts
    13,598
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 28 Times in 23 Posts

    Default Re: I Need Therapy.

    I know this sounds cliche, but find and do the things that you really, truly love to do. Stop worrying about money. I know it's easier said than done, but start focusing on doing the things you love to do. Get involved in volunteering for people less fortunate or for animal rescue leagues (they always need a helping hand). Sometimes by going out and doing things for others, we begin to see how blessed we are.

    And, definitely look for clinics. A lot of mental health schools also offer free counseling (and the sessions are overseen by qualified mental health professionals).

    Know that this is just a short period of time. This will pass and life does get better. But, you've got to stop focusing on everything you don't have and start focusing on everything you DO have.

    I know what you are going through (been there, done that) and it's not fun...but it can change. Lots of s!!

  11. #11
    Yekhefah
    Guest

    Default Re: I Need Therapy.

    That all sounds great, but volunteer work and spending time with friends won't pay my bills. Lying around the house crying doesn't either, but at least it's free. I have some days when I enjoy life and I can appreciate what's around me, but then I get bills and look at my checking account and everything falls apart again. And there's nothing I really like doing anymore anyway. NOTHING makes me happy anymore. Even writing, which I used to love, is now a miserable obligation that I force myself to do because it's a possible ticket out.

    It's all well and good to say "do things you like" and "stop stressing," but it's a completely different matter putting them into practice when you're sitting at the bottom of a black hole.

  12. #12
    Senior Member Pinup Girl's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Portland, Oregon
    Posts
    184
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: I Need Therapy.

    When you're at the bottom of a black hole, only you can help yourself. And that's what you need to do. You need to start with some emergency counseling. Find a counselor near your area and tell them that you need an appointment now, because it's an emergency.

  13. #13
    Featured Member gameover's Avatar
    Joined
    May 2006
    Posts
    784
    Thanks
    132
    Thanked 246 Times in 106 Posts

    Default Re: I Need Therapy.

    Quote Originally Posted by Yekhefah
    That all sounds great, but volunteer work and spending time with friends won't pay my bills. Lying around the house crying doesn't either, but at least it's free. I have some days when I enjoy life and I can appreciate what's around me, but then I get bills and look at my checking account and everything falls apart again. And there's nothing I really like doing anymore anyway. NOTHING makes me happy anymore. Even writing, which I used to love, is now a miserable obligation that I force myself to do because it's a possible ticket out.

    It's all well and good to say "do things you like" and "stop stressing," but it's a completely different matter putting them into practice when you're sitting at the bottom of a black hole.
    Have you thought about going to your doctor and asking for some anti-depressants? . That might raise your spirits enough to help you climb the rest of the way out of the hole.

  14. #14
    242_fair
    Guest

    Default Re: I Need Therapy.

    Yek, I think your new motto should be 'anything is possible'. After being in this business, and show business, you've probabally seen enough examples of this rule. Anything really is possible, there is no such thing as a hopeless case. Especially in a situation like yours, I mean, you are not at a dead end, you have the ability to make money, and the intillect to find SOMETHING out there that you can do in your future.

    I'm wondering how far you are in the hole? I am assuming it's pretty bad if you are this depressed about it. It might help to list out some of the debts here, so we know what you are really dealing with.

    I know a girl who got out of a $25k debt with 9 months of stripping, so anything is possible.

    And, re: reasons to live, there are a bazillion good things that are going to happen in your future, some small (such as discovering a new favorite scent or food, petting a new cute puppy), and some large (such as reaching a positive net worth, having a baby, moving forward in your life). And if you are dead you will definetly miss out on these things!!

    Tell us more about your problems, we care about you!!

  15. #15
    Featured Member Magdalena_666's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2004
    Location
    San Francisco, CA
    Posts
    1,688
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: I Need Therapy.

    When I lived in San Fran I was really depressed and having bad panic attacks (From the stress of dancing, and living with an emotionally abusive boyfriend) I called a number I got from the free women's clinic for free mental health services and they did a quick phone interview, then mailed me the name of a therapist and a psychiatrist that would see me for free. I also got a medical card that allowed me to get my meds for free.
    I can't for the life of me remember who it was that I callled, but you could probably find some sort of info on google.
    I am going to look through a box of papers I have in a box from california to see if I have any info in there.
    I'm also not sure if S. California offers free help like the Bay Area does but it's worth checking into. It really helped me a lot to have someone to talk to and discuss the option of medicines, ect with me.


    'Success is relative. It is what we can make of the mess we have made of things.'
    T.S Eliot

    I believe you Dottie and you have my support






  16. #16
    God/dess
    Joined
    Nov 2004
    Posts
    2,352
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: I Need Therapy.

    I really hate to see you or anyone feeling like this and I hope you find a way to rid yourself of all this negative energy . Go get a job somewhere at least it might keep you occupied and not in a position to think about how bad the situation appears to be . I know you like the film industry and all so why dont you get some job with them .

    You are just at a low point it will get better ok - remember people care about you !

  17. #17
    Veteran Member
    Joined
    Jul 2004
    Posts
    521
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: I Need Therapy.

    If you pick up a copy of the L.A. Weekly today, there is an ad on page 33 for some research group in Sherman Oaks. The "catch" is you have to participate in a 9-week research study for some new type of drug for depression. The ad states "Up to $500.00 for completion of the study. Study related evaluation by our staff, plus All study related services at no charge." Key phrase is "up to" re: the possible $500.00 of compensation. Personally, I'd rather try to find a counselor who will take you on for at least a couple of sessions for free. But research studies are something to be considered too.
    Last edited by PhaedrusZ; 07-21-2006 at 05:52 AM. Reason: typo

  18. #18
    God/dess Lysondra's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Another Country
    Posts
    18,664
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 148 Times in 100 Posts

    Default Re: I Need Therapy.

    You hide it so well in person. I'm here for you.


    Look like a woman
    Think like a man
    Act like a lady
    Work like a dog

    - My Great Grandmother Bessie's Recipe for Success

  19. #19
    God/dess Casual Observer's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Boston MA
    Posts
    5,670
    Thanks
    35
    Thanked 144 Times in 74 Posts

    Default Re: I Need Therapy.

    How do I walk away from being an unemployed washout with no career?
    Given your present reality, that doesn't sound terribly difficult to me. A very wise SW dancer once said to me, "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always gotten." She was more right than she knew.

    It's all well and good to say "do things you like" and "stop stressing," but it's a completely different matter putting them into practice when you're sitting at the bottom of a black hole.
    If it's really that bad, Yek, remember that you have nowhere to go but up, but you have to be proactive about it.

    It might seem nauseatingly cliche to say, "Do what you like," but when you dispassionately, objectively look at that, it's generally very appropriate. Yes, you have economic realities that color your decisions in that regard, but rare is the condition that cannot be remedied by removing yourself from a toxic environment that makes you as miserable as you are.
    Idealism is fine, but as it approaches reality, the costs become prohibitive.

    William F. Buckley, Jr.

  20. #20
    Veteran Member
    Joined
    May 2006
    Posts
    340
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: I Need Therapy.

    Most women's centers have some form of counselling service. Of course, there's always hotlines which aren't the best, but can help if you really need to vent.

  21. #21
    Yekhefah
    Guest

    Default Re: I Need Therapy.

    Thanks, y'all. I went for a walk on Hollywood Blvd. and I feel better. When I get back in town, I'm definitely going to look into therapy. My debts aren't as extreme as they could be - about $6000 on a credit card and $5800 on my car - but I just feel frustrated and miserable mostly because I'm not writing and I have no stability. I'm going to get through this. I think counselling and yoga would help me a lot more than meds, and I plan on starting when I get back to L.A.

  22. #22
    God/dess
    Joined
    May 2004
    Posts
    6,336
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 11 Times in 7 Posts

    Default Re: I Need Therapy.

    How about group therapy?
    That should be a little cheaper, plus your get group support.



    Because there ain't no tits on the radio

  23. #23
    God/dess
    Joined
    Aug 2002
    Location
    Phoenix is home, work in Upper Midwest Boonies
    Posts
    3,274
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 107 Times in 61 Posts

    Default Re: I Need Therapy.

    Yekhefah, I have an EXCELLENT dentist in Mexico, in the town of Algodones, just outside Yuma AZ. ALL the customers are Americans that go to that town, mostly retirees, and cleanliness is just like here. It is a female dentist and her female associate. They live on this side of the border, and are in their thirties. Don't listen to all the negative rumors you hear. No one is qualified to pass judgment unless they have been patients.

    I have been going to her for 4 years now and get better treatment there than dentists I have been to here.

    A crown is $200, root canal $250, deep cleaning $45, regular cleaning $30 and so on.

    If you want more info, PM me.

    As far as your debt level goes, that isn't much. The monthly payment on a $6000 balance of a major credit card isn't much, and only owing $5800 on a car is low. Of course you have insurance, utilities, rent, plus spending money and gas and food, but if you could net $1000 a week you could make those bills easily.

    What is it about the LA metro area you don't like? Besides the traffic,and higher housing costs, there is a lot to do there. Why do you feel unable to earn what you need and build some stability there? Is your relationship or change in it causing you stress? What changes can you make in your goals and day to day living that would make you happier? Are you dancing in a club that has the greatest income potential? Are you living in an apartment and neighborhood that you enjoy or dislike?

    Making some changes in your environment could dramatically change your depressed state for the better.
    Last edited by Tina; 07-21-2006 at 07:47 AM.

  24. #24
    Featured Member Hello_Kitty27's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Chicago
    Posts
    1,818
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts

    Default Re: I Need Therapy.

    Quote Originally Posted by Yekhefah
    Thanks, y'all. I would be way too creeped out to get dental work done in Mexico! Their sanitary standards are way below ours, and I don't speak Spanish. I would be afraid of miscommunication and dirty tools. I have recently discovered that the L.A. Free Clinic occasionally does dental work, so I'm going to call them when I get back in town (I leave Saturday morning for a two-week trip). Hopefully that'll help with the dental.

    many, many, many American doctors practice in Mexico due to lower medical malpractice insurance. Even the best doctors in the country (U.S.) have to pay insanely huge insurance premiums, so it doesn't make the American dr's in Mexico 'bad' doctors/dentists. If I lived closer to the border, I'd be sooooo going to Mexico for my healthcare. It just takes good research and a good referral.






    (just click to donate FREE food to those in need...REALLY!)

  25. #25
    God/dess VenusGoddess's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Home
    Posts
    13,598
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 28 Times in 23 Posts

    Default Re: I Need Therapy.

    Quote Originally Posted by Yekhefah
    That all sounds great, but volunteer work and spending time with friends won't pay my bills. Lying around the house crying doesn't either, but at least it's free. I have some days when I enjoy life and I can appreciate what's around me, but then I get bills and look at my checking account and everything falls apart again. And there's nothing I really like doing anymore anyway. NOTHING makes me happy anymore. Even writing, which I used to love, is now a miserable obligation that I force myself to do because it's a possible ticket out.

    It's all well and good to say "do things you like" and "stop stressing," but it's a completely different matter putting them into practice when you're sitting at the bottom of a black hole.
    Yes, it seems hard when you are in a "black hole", but I'm being completely and totally serious that when you start doing the things you love, life doesn't look so bleak and you begin to find ways to make money.

    It's all about choice. You cannot change the choices you made yesterday, but you can make different choices today. If you do not like feeling depressed and do not like stressing about bills, then just don't do it. I know you think this is "not possible", but I am telling you it is. I KNOW this from experience. When you are focusing on prosperity, you are not focusing on lack. What you focus on becomes reality. Until you accept this, that the decisions and choices you've made to this point have put you in this position, then you will never fully be able to accept the fact that you can make different choices to get yourself OUT of this place.

    Thoughts become things. Positive or negative...so be aware of what you are focusing your thoughts on.

    I'm out. Good luck.

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. I need some stripper therapy...
    By Lillionaire in forum Stripping (was Stripping General)
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 01-06-2011, 08:27 AM
  2. ex-gay therapy
    By funlatina82 in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 02-22-2007, 06:41 PM
  3. Who's had therapy?
    By MojoJojo in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 24
    Last Post: 07-28-2006, 07:26 AM
  4. Therapy
    By Pinup Girl in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 07-10-2006, 04:44 PM
  5. bath therapy *sp?*
    By tragic-beauty in forum Body Business
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 04-16-2003, 05:22 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •