I just wanted to say something about the suicide thread, I think it's something very important

I'm sure some of them, even most of them genuinely care about people. They are professionals like you say, the same way a business will hopefully look out for your interest while still making some profit.

I don't want to comment on psychiatry, but when it comes to psychology I think the big thing is how much you are willing to open up for that professional to really be able to do their job. Imagine if I had been brave enough to talk about this stuff we talk about on here back when I saw one 10 years ago. I was too insecure and young.

 

Unless you have been to a psychiatric facility or been under the care of any mental health specialist, you really can't speculate on the quality of care received. Not only is each patient different, but each facility is different as are the providers. I signed myself into a mental health facility many years ago for a 72 hour hold because I felt like I was having a nervous breakdown. I did find out that I had a medical condition that could affect my emotional state and was released early but if I hadn't gotten that blood work done that they do when you enter them I never would have found out and would have died by either suicide or atrial fibrillation from lack of meds. Also, I saw a therapist off and on for 7 years whenever I felt that I needed help. They aren't being paid to "pretend to care about you". Because they don't pretend to care about you. They are there to help teach you the tools needed to cope with issues in your life that you are having trouble handling on your own. If you have an irregular heartbeat, you see a cardiologist. A cavity, you see a dentist. Math trouble? You see a math tutor. Therefore, if you are having any mental/emotional issues that you can't handle on your own, wouldn't the wisest course be to see a person that specializes in that area? There's too much stigma surrounding mental healthcare and it is just as if not more dangerous and deadly than most other medical problems combined.

 

"I think the big thing is how much you are willing to open up for that professional to really be able to do their job. "
it really depends on the professional. opening up to a bad one isn't going to help you.

I've had bad therapists and great therapists. bad hotline support people and good ones. it varies. The psychiatric system is very flawed though, as is the medical system in general and the views around mental health.

some people benefit from 72 hour holds and some do not. I tend to think they are awful though and I hope you have better options now that you are out. low cost therapy is around and a much better way to go. just cause someone is getting paid doesnt mean they dont care. hell, i had a therapist that works for free with me for years. they deserve something for their time but i tend to agree the $150/hr stuff stupid nuts. most people cant afford that.

 

It's not black and white my brother. I have great friends that genuinely care for my well being that I've opened up to entirely. They've helped me tremendously. I also now see a psychologist, and it's been very worth the money. We need a combination of help sometimes. Mental, spiritual, physical. Bottom line, suicide is never the answer. God has a greater plan.