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from Aaron Friday, October 20, 2006 - 11:29 (Agree/Disagree?) When I landed in the emergency room not knowing what else to do about the mysterious syptoms of depression and anxiety I was reffered to a therapist that specializes in ex cult members & have been seeing her for 2 years. This is in NYC. She may be able to refer you to someone in your geographic region as she was able to do for my sister in ATL. A Therapist that specializes in cults is great idea. (reply to this comment)

From SeanSwede Friday, October 20, 2006, 13:06 (Agree/Disagree?) I dont want to come across like mr.knowitall like most people on this site will tell me after this comment. I do want to help and what I would like to say on this matter is that generally what they might say is that if you have had depressions for up to ca 6 weeks it is what they call "actual depression" and if it goes on for up to over 2 years it is than called dysthymia. It is very important to try to go and see a psychiatrist about depressions when they have been occuring over longer periods of time. In theory, mental illnesses can develope into other more deeper or complicated types of illnesses such as personality disorders etc. I dont really wanna go further into it, but I hope that you will get the help that you need. I have been there too and its not easy. I know you will pull thru somehow just hang in there. Perhaps if you do see a specialist, he/she might be able to let you take a time of sick-leave from work for a time untill you recuperate. Sometimes it can take months or even a couple of years or so untill people recuperate. It may sound terrible but some people are even eligable to go on early pension because of their illnesses. Its just a thought. I know I will get hell from the others on this site for saying this. Nobody really seems to like the topic about psychiatry anyways. But that is how it works over here in Sweden at least. I dont think that it is much different in your country seeing that many countries cooperate in psychiatric research. One tip though is to try to make sure that the specialist is very clear in what they are telling you about what you may be suffering from and what types of neuroleptica that they may prescribe. A little insight to the whole thing is that you may just be under a time of observation. They will prescribe different types of medicines and see which ones they think will work and that might make a differens and just so you know they will logg it all in their register (anonymously of course) to help further different studies within the specific field . Its also important to tell them if you are feeling any side effects as you may need to change to a different kind of neuroleptica. Ok bring it on folks. (reply to this comment)

From Removed Friday, October 20, 2006, 23:10 (Agree/Disagree?) [Removed at author's request] (reply to this comment)

From smashingirl Friday, October 20, 2006, 21:01 (Agree/Disagree?) I vote we all move to Sweden. Holy health care!!! It doesn't seem that it applies in this case. However, I will mention this in case anyone to whom it does apply reads this. For some reason, I went two years after leaving the military to find out that any veteran with an Honorable can receive heath care at any VA hospital. Since one thing VA therapists are VERY used to dealing with is PTSD, they've helped me more than I thought possible. No, most don't have much experience with cults but oddly they think I exhibit the same issues as a combat vet. Hope that's useful to someone.(reply to this comment)

From solemn Friday, October 20, 2006, 13:16 (Agree/Disagree?) Here it comes Sean: Thank you, that was quite informative. Excellent post. (reply to this comment)

From sarafina Friday, October 20, 2006, 11:48 (Agree/Disagree?) Aaron, I'm in San Diego, and I would love to talk to a therapist in this field. I have had great difficulty finding someone who specializes in this out here. Could you ask yours if she knows anyone out here I could see? I have also had recent "mysterious syptoms of depression and anxiety", insomnia and panic attacks and am trying to figure out what is causing it.(reply to this comment)

From Aaron Friday, October 20, 2006, 15:38 (Agree/Disagree?) Yes, everything sean is saying is correct from my personal involvment in my own treatment the textbooks/proffesionals I have consulted. Sarafina. Hang tight . help is around the corner! I will find out from my therapist if she could give me a name of someone in the OC area. Undoubtedly you and I have lots in common. My sister(sarah midwife) & I both suffered the 1st few years out of the cult with no professional treatment because we didn't know what was wrong with us! Maybe we were just "backsliders" suffering gods's judjements. NOT This is extremely treatable with simple medication and talk therapy! The enormous pain I endured didn't have to be. I held on for years with but a thread of sanity . I know have some peace of mind & no longer appear depressed anxious for no reason. LOL ....NOT Which has allowed me to start finally making friends and getting datesLOL.(reply to this comment)

From loch Saturday, October 21, 2006, 06:56 (Agree/Disagree?) Could you ask her about one in the Austin Texas area as well? pretty please? I'd like to figure out why I can't stop being so damn self distructive. ...I am my own worst enemy....I am my own worst enemy.....SHUT THE FUCK UP! (reply to this comment)

From rmm Friday, October 20, 2006, 23:50 (Agree/Disagree?) I really had no idea that so many people were dealing with this. I've been out for a long time (since 1981) but am still dealing with so many issues from it. It is a HUGE help just to know that there are others out there. I wasn't around for the raids, and I've no idea who is 'in charge' now, but I'd love to hear from other people.(reply to this comment)

From SeanSwede Friday, October 20, 2006, 13:19 (Agree/Disagree?) By the way, according to your description of what you are experiencing, I believe it is called PTSD(Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). It is very common in people who have come from TF. It is even what soldiers get after being in a war. My grandfather had it after serving on the front in WWII.(reply to this comment)

From Friday, October 20, 2006, 15:54 (Agree/Disagree?) Sean swede, while PTSD may be common in those exiting TF, I hardly think a diagnosis from you is appropriate, particularly the limited information given.(reply to this comment)

from Friday, October 20, 2006 - 07:35 (Agree/Disagree?) In what region of the US do you need a therapist? (reply to this comment)

From rmm Friday, October 20, 2006, 09:19 (Agree/Disagree?) I live in Orange County, CA right now, but we are moving to Boise, ID.(reply to this comment)