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The question was submitted 25/02/2008

Subject: Feeling flat

I don't understand why I feel so flat. It seem my meds are not working at all. I just hold things together thru the day and then cry myself to sleep every night. I wanted to talk to my psych about all this - but last visit just concentrated on getting my work to be supportive. Then the hour was up and I left feeling like I had so many other things I needed to talk about. I know my friends and family are sick of it all too and I just always seem to be a burden on them - so I say nothing, but silently scream inside for someone who might really listen. I'm just so tired and not sure where to turn.

Answer from DepNet

Dear Feeling Flat,

You can’t do everything at once!

Perhaps your psych thought getting “Work” to be supportive was important (it’s bad enough feeling flat but worse to be flat and unemployed).

Do I detect some contradictions here?
”…… so I say nothing, but silently scream inside for someone who might really listen “
How are they supposed to know to listen if you don’t tell them? And while we’re at it, have you ever told your psych what you want to talk about? He/She isn’t a mind reader.

Are you sure you don’t feel that they should “just know” and that if they were really tuned into you (or cared enough) they would know? Not true. They won’t know unless you tell them.

How do you know your friends and family are “sick of it all”? Have they told you or have they told you that you’re a burden on them?

I guess you can see what I’m getting at. Your letter contains multiple examples of very poor cognitions and conclusions that are probably based on your assumptions rather than facts. Please print your letter plus this response and take it with you on your next visit to your psych. It should form the basis for an interesting hour.

The answer was published on DepNet 27/02/2008