I am frequently told by new clients that they’re afraid they are nuts. With symptoms of anxiety and depression–often aided by a Google search that turns up distressing diagnoses–clients often come into my office thinking they are crazy.
While I don’t specialize in those who are out-of-touch with reality, I’ve seen my share throughout the duration of my practice. Let me just offer this observation–the individuals I’ve seen that truly exhibited signs of significant mental disorder never believed this about themselves. They always thought their delusions perfectly rational.
If you doubt your sanity, you’re probably very sane. You may be stressed and distressed. You might have experienced traumatic things and your symptoms are very upsetting…but you’re probably not insane. And no matter what pharmaceutical companies would like you to believe, you probably don’t need to take medication for the rest of your life.
Believe me, sanity can feel very insane.
Although insurance companies require these and many mental health professionals rely on them, please don’t diagnose yourself…or anyone else. At most, you are likely being harsh on yourself and a diagnoses of itself, doesn’t help you know how to function differently.
We focus our therapy on helping you improve. We want you to get better and not need to keep seeing us. We’re happily trying to work out of a job.