Des Moines Nesties
Dear Community,

Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.

If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.

Thank you.

Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.

Therapists?

Does anyone know any good therapists in the DSM area? I don't know what is wrong with me but I really think I need to start seeing someone. I just feel down a lot of the time and I don't really know why. DH and I are doing great, so its nothing to do with that. I don't know if its IF related or just life in general.

I feel like I have no reason to feel this way. I am afraid to talk to anyone because I feel like I don't have any real problems and they will think I am just being a baby. I feel like crying quite often and days like today I cry off and on all day. Then the next day I feel fine. Lately all I want to do is lay around the house, I don't even want to hang out with people. I haven't been exercising lately because I have no motivation. Maybe I need to be committed, lol.

My work has an employee assistance program, but is this type of thing something they deal with? Or should I seek out someone on my own. I have been on antidepressants in the past but weaned myself off while we were TTC, which obviously was stupid since we aren't going to get PG anytime soon. I have severe social anxiety as well, and worry I won't even be able to talk to a therapist. And I really don't even know what the problem is so is there anything we could talk about?

Sorry this is so long and crazy sounding. I might DD later, this is all really embarrassing. I have to leave for work in a little while so I might not be back to respond until morning. Thanks!

TTC #1 since Sept '09 Dx: Severe MFI/Azoo
IVF w/ICSI - transferred 2; froze 3
Beta #1 150 Beta #2 320 - 7/16 124 bpm (6w5d) EDD 3/6/13 
Our team green baby was a girl! Emma Lynn born 2/23/13
image

my read shelf:
Janelle's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists (read shelf)

Re: Therapists?

  • Aww, you poor dear.

    To me it sounds like classic depression. I'd start with your regular doctor and they can do a screening. He/she'll be able to recommend a therapist or talk about other options for meds.

    Hang in there. It's good you're reaching out and looking for help. You can talk to us any time!

    Happy mom to two sweet, silly boys: Cohen age 4, AJ age 2.
  • Bless your heart dear. HUGS!!

    I have limited experience with therapists, but really loved the therapist who did my psych evaluation for this surrogacy. Mid Iowa Fertility recommended her. Her name is Dr. Jackie Larson. I could have talked to her all day long and that says a lot for me.  lol! 

    ...and please don't feel embarrassed. You'd fix your arm if it were broken. This isn't all that different, ya know? The great thing is that you recognize something isn't right in your world and you're willing to fix it. 

    FWIW - my little sis has some pretty serious ocd issues which lead her to depression because it's so frustrating for her. Her Dr's agree that doing therapy to give a person coping tools, even if its in partnership with meds, is very valuable. Kind of like teaching the hungry to fish.   :) 

    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
  • EJPintEJPint member
    Fifth Anniversary

    Don't be embarrassed.  I see someone, PM me if you'd like details.  It's nice to talk it out, especially if these are new feelings for you.

    Your employee assistance program most likely would cover this - depending on the program, they'll probably ask you what your concerns are, then they'll have a list of approved care providers in the area.  You call them, set something up, and the EAP will probably pay for x number of visits for free.  Take advantage!

    Natural m/c 8/31/12 at 11 wks BFP #2 - Due August 16!
  •  I just wanted to say quick that you have nothing to be embarassed about.  Though I understand what you are talking about.  I suffered from pretty bad post-partum depression/situational depression after James.  The symptoms were identical.  I tried at one point to go off of my meds and it was too soon.  My symptoms came back.  But talking to the therapist really truly helped.  I saw Michele Lukacik with Des Moines Pastoral Center.  Their number is Phone: (515) 274-4006.   Good Luck! 
    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
  • Just wanted to say please do not feel embarrassed. I'm pretty sure you can start with EAP and they can rec. someone from that point on. I'm thinking about you- hugs!

    Side note- I know you're dealing with a lot right now but you are an inspiration to me on your weight loss. So just wanted to say thanks! Smile

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • gidgegidge member
    Ancient Membership

    I second Jackie if she is covered by your plan! 

    ETA: you have a pm

    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
  • I worked for a few years as an EAP therapist at "the other hospital"  :) -- the last time I checked, your employer has a 6-session model (per year).  EAPs definitely work with the symptoms you are describing.  Although it is short-term therapy, many clients find relief of their symptoms from a few sessions ... to vent, cry, be validated, process ... it's an outlet of support that is likely different from what you may receive from family/friends, websites or books.  For some people the EAPs offer enough sessions, but if you plan on working through some underlying issues and/or spreading out therapy over time, it may work in your best interest to begin at a non-EAP.  Some clients don't care to share their story over with a new person and build the rapport and trust all over again if the EAP recommends additional counseling.    

    I will PM with you additional details and referrals, but some therapists who work with social anxiety will offer an initial session by phone, to meet on a less-busy time in the office or essentially walk through the session/process prior to actually coming in.  I do this with my clients if they are hesitant about coming in, and it's worked really well to increase their comfort level.  

    I think on the surface you may not see a specific problem, but from what you've shared through posts, you have had several life changes (school, ttc, health improvement) and you work in healthcare with wild hours/shifts ... how you are feeling is a normal response to all you are juggling.

    As a therapist I could write a book to you :), but I will simply add that you are taking a big step in seeking support and I'm proud of you.   

    heroes
  • Thanks so much you guys! You are all so sweet. I will definitely look into those. I'm exhausted and need to get to bed but I will check back later to respond to PMs and FB messages.
    TTC #1 since Sept '09 Dx: Severe MFI/Azoo
    IVF w/ICSI - transferred 2; froze 3
    Beta #1 150 Beta #2 320 - 7/16 124 bpm (6w5d) EDD 3/6/13 
    Our team green baby was a girl! Emma Lynn born 2/23/13
    image

    my read shelf:
    Janelle's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists (read shelf)
  • Maggie Conrad at Wadle & Associates in Urbandale.  270-1344.  I promise she will not judge, you will not feel uncomfortable, and she will fully support you coming in "just to talk to someone."  After an initial visit, you guys can decide if there's something to work on.  Let me know if you have any questions.
    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
  • I am getting my degree in Counseling Psychology, and definitely believe you could benefit from talking to someone. I know people who have gone through the EAP program at ISU - they got 3 free sessions of therapy. One was able to go to the same person for therapy through her insurance that she saw through EAP (so she was able to continue for more sessions w/o switching). In addition to the recommendations above, here are some other counselors in the DSM area:

    Central Iowa Psychological Services - lots of therapists to choose from, and insurance coverage may vary between provider within the practice

    http://iowacounseling.com/  

     

    Catalina D'Achiardi-Ressler

    515-321-4946 or cataressler@hotmail.com

    I have seen therapy help soooo many people. Know that you are not alone - many people who come in feel this way, but the truth is that you don't know how much people are struggling underneath. For many clients, even those who know them don't realize what they're going through. I also believe that a combination of therapy and medication can be the most helpful treatment in many cases.  If you are worried about what therapy will be like, feel free to pm me and I'd be happy to chat about it. :) 

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • Thank you all so much! I responded to all PMs you guys sent. I think I will start by looking into our EAP since its free :) and they can probably help me figure out what/who my insurance will cover. I will definitely keep all your suggestions in mind and look to see what my insurance covers. Since we need to start saving for IVF we don't have a bunch of extra money to throw around (though I know this is pretty important!) I would like DH to see someone too so I will suggest some of these to him as well. Thanks for letting me get it all out! I hate to do that but I just felt so awful yesterday and needed to get it out before I cracked!
    TTC #1 since Sept '09 Dx: Severe MFI/Azoo
    IVF w/ICSI - transferred 2; froze 3
    Beta #1 150 Beta #2 320 - 7/16 124 bpm (6w5d) EDD 3/6/13 
    Our team green baby was a girl! Emma Lynn born 2/23/13
    image

    my read shelf:
    Janelle's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists (read shelf)
  • imageMrs.Wallace:

    Side note- I know you're dealing with a lot right now but you are an inspiration to me on your weight loss. So just wanted to say thanks! Smile

    Thanks! I've been slacking lately since I've been in this funk and gained about 3-4 pounds back. I've been back on track today so hopefully I can fix it!!

    TTC #1 since Sept '09 Dx: Severe MFI/Azoo
    IVF w/ICSI - transferred 2; froze 3
    Beta #1 150 Beta #2 320 - 7/16 124 bpm (6w5d) EDD 3/6/13 
    Our team green baby was a girl! Emma Lynn born 2/23/13
    image

    my read shelf:
    Janelle's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists (read shelf)
  • Thank you for posting this. I've been looking at therapists in the area today too, we just recently moved to Indianola. I've suffered from severe social anxiety for quite a while now, and like you said, always been too 'scared' to even approach a doctor or therapist of any kind. I'm also scared of what the treatment will be for me, and what kind of uncomfortable things I might have to do or confront. I dream of what I could do without the anxiety though, and am so jealous of people who don't seem to suffer from these issues. Now especially that I have a 6-month old daughter, I keep thinking of all the things I might limit her with if I don't get this taken care of. Not to mention my husband and I have a few problems we really need help working out. We are such a perfect couple, we agree on practically everything except one issue. Thank you again for posting this and letting me see not only the responses people have given you, but also that I'm not alone.
    What you do today is important because you are trading a day of your life for it. Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
Sign In or Register to comment.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards