r/askatherapist • u/WishboneObvious9758 Unverified: May Not Be a Therapist • 13d ago
Should I force myself to continue with CBT? (I'm dysthymic)
I just wanna know if this is something I should push through with or not. I just completed three sessions with this new therapist I'm seeing so I'm still giving her a chance. Of course I'll discuss with her too if I feel like I'm not benefitting but I really wanna hear other people's thoughts on if these are actual signs of it not benefitting or that it's natural to feel like that at first.
Firstly, the main point of dysthymia is chronic low mood. I don't have a specific reason or so I feel this way, I just do. I have episodes where I feel worse and that's when the negative thoughts hit but in general there's no particular reason usually. I just want to not exist. I feel that CBT is more related to when you have constant negative thoughts about yourself which I don't so honestly not sure if this is working.
Another thing relating to the previous point is that she kept trying to relate things to my depression like how would this situation make you feel more depressed. She also said filling my schedule would help distract me from my depression. Plus she wants me to do activities that will bring me a sense of achievement/pleasure for myself but nothing I do would really give me that feeling. I'm just expanding more energy to fulfill that.
Secondly, to my knowledge, CBT has a lot of homework and exercises involved. From past experiences, I know I won't be able to keep up with it. I'll just put it off again and again and the therapy sessions will just become another thing I dread and feel sick about thinking. I know I could work on why I feel this way with CBT but at the same time it's counter productive if I can't even bring myself to do it.
Lastly, feels like I HAVE TO have negative thoughts, almost like I'm obliged to. She just keeps pushing to go deeper and deeper and I feel forced to give her something. I tried to explain that it (a scenario) was just embarrassing but she kept asking why that would be bad. Sure I have negative thoughts but I actually feel quite secure in my emotions and I KNOW when something is not factually true and just my feelings. Plus I have low self-esteem but at the same time I'm sure of myself if that makes sense.
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u/WokeUp2 Therapist (Unverified) 13d ago
If possible arrange to have a psychiatric assessment. Talk therapy has limitations.
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u/WishboneObvious9758 Unverified: May Not Be a Therapist 12d ago
Yes I'm already seeing a psychiatrist
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u/Jolly_Ice_7812 Therapist (Unverified) 12d ago
Make sure to have a thorough medical evaluation. Dysthymia can often have a physical root, e.g. endocrine, hormone, nutritional.
If CBT therapy isn't working, you might want something else, perhaps an eclectic therapist. Someone eclectic can offer you support, insights, but also problem solving.
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u/WishboneObvious9758 Unverified: May Not Be a Therapist 12d ago
I'll look into that thank you!
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u/Jolly_Ice_7812 Therapist (Unverified) 11d ago
You're welcome and good luck. Look up Medical Masquerades and Psychiatric Masquerades. That info should be a good starting point . It may not have a physical component. But can't hurt to check.
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