Guest Blogger
Some time ago, I had severe neck pain. It interfered with my life, my sleep, my relationships. I
diagnosed the problem and did everything I could think of to fix it. I got through most days, but
nothing I did really helped long term. Friends suggested exercises that had helped them. They
didn’t help me, and some of their suggestions even made the situation worse. Finally, I went to a
Physical Therapist. My diagnosis had been OK, but she showed me how to do the exercises
correctly. Sometimes the sessions hurt, and it took some effort to practice new behaviors; but
after six months of sessions, the pain went away and the problem has not come back.
Later I had bad knee pain. I resisted going for help and tried the usual Google recommended
treatments. None of the treatments worked because my diagnosis was wrong, proving the truth of
the old proverb, “the doctor who treats himself has a fool for a patient.” The right treatment felt
unnatural at first and I didn’t want to do what was prescribed; but once again, after some weeks
and changes in how I lived life outside the treatment room, the problem was solved.
So, what does this have to do with mental health?
I’ve had exactly the same experiences with Psychotherapy that I had with Physical Therapy. For
two years I dealt with a persistent, long-term depression. Like most men, I didn’t go for
treatment. I handled it myself and handled it poorly. The symptoms weren’t obvious to anyone
except my wife and my colleagues. My wife knew I wasn’t happy about much of anything and
was surly much of the time. My colleagues thought I was uncaring, distant, and unmotivated. I
didn’t think it was that bad, that I could cope; while I got through most days, my relationships
and my career both suffered. Several friends suggested changes in thoughts, self-talk, and
lifestyle. None of them helped, and some even made the situation worse. Finally, I went to a
Psychotherapist. My diagnosis had been OK, but I needed that relationship where someone
listened to me, took me seriously, accepted, and even forgave me. The sessions hurt, and it took
some effort to practice new behaviors; but after six months, I was much better. The pain went
away and, if the problem comes back, I know what to do about it.
Some years later, I had an anxiety attack. Again, the problem was hidden from those around me.
I continued to work, to spend time with my family, go to church, and function pretty much as I
always had. I didn’t know it at the time, but the fact that it was hidden was part of the problem. I
went to Psychotherapy, which included a helpful group. This time my diagnosis was wrong. I
knew the symptoms but not the source. The treatment involved more self-discovery this time,
and I recovered my motivation and God-given ability to handle the feelings. It felt unnatural at
first and I didn’t want to do it; but once again, after a few months of treatment and changes in
how I lived life, the problem was solved.
From these experiences, I have learned at least two things. One is that, while everyone has pain
in life, some suffering is optional; the other is that Psychotherapists and Physical Therapists like
to deal with problems before they become severe. It’s not a waste of their time or yours to go for
help, even when you’re coping OK – or think you are.