Thought help: I think I want to see a counsellor.

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I think I want to see a counsellor.

I’ve been spiralling downwards fairly rapidly of late, heading back to the place I was in a few years ago: a very dark place that pretty much exists as a blur in my memory now. I have no idea how I got through that, but I don’t think I could get through it again this time. I’m already constantly plagued by thoughts of self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts. And I have no one I can speak to about it, which I guess sounds pathetic.

So, I guess I should speak to a professional, before it gets too much worse. Problem is, I feel really uncomfortable with the notion of speaking to a complete stranger (even though they’re supposedly qualified to assist me). I don’t know what I should say to them; I keep feeling like they won’t actually care, because it’s just their job.
I also need to know precisely how confidentiality works. I know that if they suspect I’m at risk of harming myself or others, they have to disclose this information. But who do they disclose it to? What happens after that? I know that disclosure is meant to protect me, but… I don’t know. I just prefer to know who will hear what, and precisely what will happen. Not knowing what’s coming next terrifies me.

I guess, in summary, I’d just like some advice on what I need to speak to the counsellor about, what will happen if I do speak to one and how confidentiality works, and really just a lot of people to tell me to stop putting it off and speak to someone already, before I fall deeper.

This open post was written 1 year, 9 months ago | V/U/S: 284, 4, 3 | Edit Post | Leave a reply | Report Post

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Since writing this post Anonymous may have helped people, but has not within the last 4 days.

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Thought, place, Confidentiality, Disclose, Speak, Works, Feel, guess (How Tags Affect Reciprocity)

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Rahat Lokum 6 #
An Undisclosed Location | 1 year, 9 months ago (22 minutes after post)

If you want to try to speak to a counsellor you can just say what you feel is safe and see their reaction and then you’ll know if you want to say more or it’s not what you need.

WHATABIGNICKNAM 2 #
GB | 1 year, 9 months ago (47 minutes after post)

there great speak to one or dont speak to one just go they will have you chatting about any thing you like and before you know it you will tell them the lot ive been GO THERE GREAT PEOPLE

Anonymous #
1 year, 9 months ago (2 days, 1 hour after post)

What really concerns me is whether or not self-mutilation an issue that would cause the counsellor to break confidentiality. That is one of the major things I need to talk about; but I need to talk about it first before they start trying to fix it, and if they’re going to break confidentiality if I mention it, I don’t want to mention it. If that made sense.

Anonymous #
1 year, 9 months ago (2 days, 1 hour after post)

Anonymous wrote:
I do hope you find the courage to share your thoughts with a counselor. They are obligated to keep your confidences unless there is possible harm to yourself or others, ie suicide or murder. If you have insurance or your job offers a hotline to call, please do not hesitate, your future happiness can begin sooner if you step out now…

Oh and there is a free counselling service at my university, which is one of the reasons I have been thinking about going and speaking to someone.

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I think I want to see a counsellor.

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