The "Shrink" Factor

[Cosmo75]

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Hi

I know this topic has been discussed in the past in terms of how we are often viewed differently based on our profession. The comments..."are you analyzing me right now?" or the like. Generally I try to shrug these off or come back with some sort of snarky comment. But what I'm having some issues with is being there for a friend who is obviously having some serious issues with depression. Not to get into lengthy details, but I feel pretty helpless to help her, and part of this has to do with her believing that I'll just try to treat her if she opens up to me.

Honestly if she were my client, I'd probably be seeing her twice a week and have her out for a med referral due to how depressed she is. But in reality, she's a good friend who won't talk to me about it.

Anyone else run into this? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Honestly if she were my client, I'd probably be seeing her twice a week and have her out for a med referral due to how depressed she is. But in reality, she's a good friend who won't talk to me about it.

We sometimes say we separate out our professional lives from our personal lives, but often we don't and some would argue...can't. Our training provides a unique perspective, though I think we can get stuck in the role. It sounds like your friend didn't want you as a professional, and may or may not trust that you could just be a friend. In that circumstance I'd encourage her to seek help, as that is what another friend in a similar circumstance would do.

 

[psychmama]

This is a difficult situation, to be sure. How do you think your friend would react if you said something like:

"You and I are good friends, and I don't blame you for not wanting to talk to me about all of your problems. But I can see you're going through a difficult time right now, and I care about you. I think it would be a really good idea for you to talk to someone professional who's objective and can help you. I can give you some referrals if you want. I want to be there as your friend in whatever way's comfortable for you."

 

[Cosmo75]

Thanks for the replies. I should have mentioned in my original post that her husband has already suggested she seek treatment and she is against it. Coming from me would just make it worse. I did reach out to her in email saying I was there if she needed me, and that I was thinking of her. I got a brief reply, but that's it.

 

[psychmama]

It sounds like you've done all you can for now. Maybe she'll realize and seek the help she needs. It's hard to see people struggling and feel unable to do more, I know.