Do many South Africans made use of the services of a psychiatrist or "Shrink" as per the the Americans?

Question

Don't you find it obscene how so many Americans consider frequenting a psychiatrist for a weekly session as normal and part of their standard routine?

Have you ever visited a "Shrink" or do you know any South African that does?

Answer 1

Bull I have a firm believe that no-one can short the kak in ones head out except yourself. Shrinks are there for what? I will admit I went to see one, my work said they think I should go, and at the end of the day it is only my choose what I want to change and if i want to. I think that its a waste of money and time.

Answer 2

My mum sent me to one back when I was in school, through my rebel stages. hahahaha

I think our nation is just not that type of people. I know I would be the biggest joke if I had to tell me friends and family that I want to go to shrink hahahahaha.

I agree with both barend and zxcv. You can only sort out your own problems and I dont need anyone to tell me I'm cuckoo.

Answer 3

My wife went to see a shrink after she gave birth. She had post partom depression and her gynie recommended it.

I made fun of her calling her Tony Soprano.

It did help her get through her depression. Whatever advise the shrink gave her, I could have told her the same thing but she needed to hear it from a "professional".

I for one would never see one.

Answer 4

i thimk thery are getting there slowly.

Answer 5

......going to psychiatrist doesnt mean your already crazy......our mind and emotions need to be consulted also with the experts to become more mature persons......its a misconception of many but the truth is many normal people see psychiatrist on a scheduled basis.....

Answer 6

No , i dont need to pay someone to tell me im Cookoos , i already know...

Seriously though , I think Barend put it quite nicely , its up to you if you want to change so even if you see one , its still up to you to make the change...

Answer 7

Bull I have cross examined a lot of psychologists in my life (the defense usually calls them in mitigation).....and reduced them to quacks. Psychiatrist is a different matter, for them I have respect. They are medical doctors with a degree in psychology identifying schizos, psychopaths etc. They know their business. (usually). As for myself I am fortunate to have had very supporting parents and later wonderful friends and a husband, I can tell all my horror stories to, oh and of course cigarettes, they kept me sane. I do not believe in psychologists per se, but they do, and this is true, help victims in rape cases, children that have been molested, marriage counseling etc. But if you really have a serious problem let your doctor refer you to a psychiatrist, they know what they are doing. When I was a student I was a waiter and a bar girl.....you should have heard all the stories the late night drunks told me, he he he and the advise I (20 years old then) gave them, and they  followed my advise! I think people just sometimes need some one to tell their problems to, some one that can listen, you really do not have to pay for it! That is why so few Roman catholics need "counselling", their priest usually do it for free! By the way I send a couple (my best friend) to a psychologist for marriage counselling, and he "saved" their marriage.

Answer 8

I know someone who went to a "Life Coach" in Joburg somewhere - would that be the same....