AMA Ask the Therapists Anything - CLOSED to new questions - Read Questions to and Answers by the therapists

Hi, wondering who to talk to about demisexual/gender identity issues when I'm sad. Struggle with depression, medical diagnosis of Asp's and GAD, eating disorders, OCD traits, intrusive thoughts, hallucinations/delusions. Might be due to these things and/or feeling had to be girly to be a girl when I was younger, and having two older brothers, not sure. Very conservative Christian family who I guess mostly don't approve of alternative sexuality/gender identity - makes it very hard to investigate it.

@LisaMeighanMScGMBPsS

Is it necessary to have a Therapist to work with DID? and what should qualities should I look for?

My therapist is retiring.

Thank you for taking the time to answer

@SunLionheart How can I tackle loneliness and depression at the same time in therapy?

Hi @SunLionheart! Thank you for your question!

Depression can have a severe effect on a person’s mental and physical health. It may cause challenges with self-esteem and self-image. The person’s motivation decreases, and they don’t find joy in the things they used to do earlier. So the therapist could target symptoms of depression, and their reduction should improve the person’s overall health. The therapist can work on what’s causing the depression while focusing on building motivation simultaneously.

@ TreasureSeekers3 Me and my boyfriend don’t spend enough time with each other because of our situations with him lol living at home, me living at home, work and finding the time. We have considered every possibility and nothings work. We have looked at getting place but as he’s more able tp move out quicker then I then he will. We’re nervous with the relationship not working. We having to do this cuz both parents arnt helping or making it worse seeing each other and if we do his mum don’t like it or my mum is uncomfortable. I stay at his and he yesterday stayed at mine first time but we still don’t see each other alot. I’m thinking changing jobs and him staying at his. What can we do to make this work? We don’t want relationship to end? My work situation isn’t helping to Work getting to me and affecting relationship with bf. Looking to spend more time with each other but can’t cuz of where we are. What can we do

Hi @TreasureSeekers3! Thank you for the question!

We all have such hectic lives now and multiple responsibilities to juggle. Finding time to spend with our loved ones can be really hard. Having a routine and fixing a schedule ahead of time can really help. If you have to, then even try planning time together weeks ahead. It's important to communicate with your partner and work on the schedule together. It would also help to fix an activity which you'd like to do during the time. Mark it on your calendars if you need to! A relationship has certain responsibilities and expectations, so partners need to communicate this and solve the problem together. The relationship needs to be a priority as well. If your parents are bothered by this, maybe inform them as well! Your relationship is your own, and there should be boundaries around the couple.

@TheAutumnWitch Is it possible to have PTSD and C-PTSD together? How does one distinguish PTSD from C-PTSD?

Hi @TheAutumnWitch! Thank you for your question!

Yes, it is possible to have PTSD and CPTSD together. People who have gone through a long-standing, extremely disturbing situation may exhibit physical and emotional symptoms related to their ordeal. These individuals may develop CPTSD. The traumas that these individuals face would be ongoing, recurring or long-term. When the same individual goes through another traumatic incident in their life, they can develop symptoms of PTSD related to the trauma. The symptoms may overlap, but the presentation could be different.

@blissfultouch29 How do you relax

Hi @blissfultouch29! Thank you for your question!

We human beings are so different from each other that there are no universal steps to how we can feel relaxed. We need to find the thing that works for us specifically. Usually, it does take some trial and error. Music, art, meditation, breathing exercises, taking a walk, speaking to a loved one, spending time with a pet, engaging in a hobby, etc., are some activities that have been known to help. Taking care of your mental and physical health can also improve general well-being.

@lyricalAngel70 What are the ways to help people suffering from ADHD? Kindly let me know a handful of things that can be useful for them. Thanks a lot for taking out time to answer. Stay blessed! ♥️

Hi @lyricalAngel70! Thank you for your question!

ADHD can manifest differently in children and adults. So psychoeducation about the diagnosis would be important. Medication has been proven to help with the symptoms. People suffering from ADHD work well with a routine and establishing that can create comfort. You can also support them with planning and organizing daily activities, goal setting, time management and problem-solving. Also, remember to provide a listening ear and empathize with them about their challenges 😊

@Phoenix I’ve been having dreams about my ex lately. We dated 3 years ago and I still have dreams about her. I don’t feel like I’m over her while it feels like she’s over me. I don’t know what to do to help myself with this anymore.I want nothing more than for her to reach out to me but she isn’t. I feel alone in my feelings for her. I guess my question is how can I get past this?

Hi @Phoenix! Thank you for your question!

Breaks-ups are never easy. I personally don't know if people really ‘get over’ their relationships or breakups. Moving on is something that is constantly discussed with the topic of breakups. Losing someone who was a significant part of your life is difficult. There are a lot of voids that form in our hearts when we lose someone. Filling up these voids or replacing them with someone or something isn’t quite realistic. However, with time, we can get used to living with the voids. It might always hurt a bit, but you will slowly get used to the person's absence. Acceptance of this absence can really bring a lot of grief but also peace. Also, please take your time to grieve and be patient with yourself. It’s okay to miss her. Meanwhile, don’t forget to attend to other areas of your life as well. This may be a good time to focus on personal and professional development.

@LovingPeaceHeart Is it possible for a mixed orientation marriage (for example, a straight woman with a gay man) to work?

Hi @ LovingPeacefulHeart! Thank you for your question!

Sure, it can be possible for such a marriage to work out, but it is important for both partners to have a healthy relationship with each other. There should be transparency about sexual orientation, as partners may have sexual expectations from marriage. Communication between partners is of utmost importance, and there should be certain mutual agreements which would suit both parties. Discussing the expectations from the marriage and each other can really benefit the relationship.

@SystemOfWolves How do I get those around me to accept my mental health conditions?

Hi @SystemOfWolves! Thank you for your question!

There is still a lot of stigma around mental health, and a large section of people still find it difficult to understand it. Even if there is awareness and acceptance, at times, there is denial when someone they know is affected. Psychoeducating those around you and helping them understand what you're going through can increase awareness and acceptance. Explaining your challenges and difficulties can help to set expectations. You can try to help those around you to understand that mental health concerns are as normal and serious as a physical health concern. Despite all this, sometimes, you may still have people who don’t understand or accept what you're going through. At these times, remember that you can't really control what others think or feel.