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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Will I be disappointing my psychologist if I consult her for recurrent depression after having improved previously with her help?

    Related Topics
    Anxiety Depression Mental Health
    I was seeing a psychologist for over three years quite regularly, for depression, anxiety and PTSD, from teenage sexual abuse. Late last year she said that my depression and self esteem were at a level that I didn't need to see her anymore. I am slowly feeling myself slip into a depression state again: no energy, my self-esteem is slipping, i am having difficulty concentrating, I am on edge, thinking about my abuse, I am losing motivation and for the past month or so been drinking a lot to help relax. I get the feeling that I need help before I slip even deeper but I have this gut-feeling stopping me that I will be letting her down after her and my GP helped me so much over the last few years. I feel like I am giving in to the depression and letting him win again if I get help. Is this really so?
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  • Dr Simon Easterbrook-Smith

    Health Professional

    My research interests include immunology and the mechanisms of amyloid formation. The latter has implications for people who are dealing with Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease … View Profile

    In my experience recovery from depression is often "two steps forward, one step back".

    It sounds to me that you might have taken "one step back" - that is completely normal and is nothing to feel guilty about.

    Please go back to your psychologist - I am sure that she will be able to help you.

    With care.

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  • Marie Roberts

    Psychologist, Psychotherapist

    An accredited, experienced psychologist who works with adults, couples, children and families across a range of issues. These include depression, anxiety, trauma, workplace conflict, life … View Profile

    You know yourself best and have clearly identified some warning signs that you are at risk or already suffering from depression.  Stressors in daily life do occur and can reactivate old issues and worries.  Don't wait until you feel really overwhelmed. Your Psychologist is there for one reason and that is to help you; in other words it's your needs that are the focus, not your psychologist's so don't be afraid to reconnect or if you feel you will be judged, to seek an appointment elsewhere, even if it means starting again. Don't agonize. Taking action is likely to be the first step towards feeling better and you are not alone in what you are experiencing- it's a reasonably common occurrance.

     

     

     

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  • Vicky Manikas

    Psychologist

    Vicky is a Melbourne-based psychologist, currently working in private practice in Melbourne. Vicky has a diverse background with training in both developmental and clinical psychology. … View Profile

    Firstly, well done on the progress you have made so far. It sounds like you worked well with your psychologist and he or she was of great help to you. 

    One of the things that I try to teach my own clients is the ability to recognise when they are in a negative spiral and needing some more help. Its actually really great that you are able to identify this pattern early on and are wanting to get help.

    Your psychologist will in no way be dissapointed in you. If anything, they will be proud of you for identifying your negative spiral and asking for help. 

    Hope this helps and best of luck.

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