Would you suggest a visit to a doctor/psychiatrist?

Question

I have always been a lonesome individual, always jealous of others with strong relationships with others. I have always craved companionship yet have never really been able to achieve it. I always tend to find myself on the outside of social interactions and am rather shy around people, yet the thing I want most is to be with people.

I've gone through a number of low periods in my life, where I would completely withdraw from everyone, and although I would be hurting on the inside, when asked, I could simply not say anything other than that everything was fine with a forced smile. During those times I would simply mentally beat myself up, telling myself to stop pitying myself and simply move on.

I've never been to see a doctor/psychiatrist about this, nor have I spoken to any family or friends about it. I've always been afraid to admit I need help, and even more afraid of seeking it. By admitting the need for help, I feel I would be admitting to being weak, and incapable.

With this past in mind, I have begun to hit another low in my life. I seem to get sad/depressed every single day now. During the days I am perfectly fine, when my family is around and such, but once night-time approaches and everyone else goes to bed, I am left alone, and it is at these times I become rather depressed. I simply play the same sad/depressing songs over and over, wanting to cry my eyes out, though no tears come.

I'm currently on my sixth pass of "How to Save a Life" by The Fray, and would really appreciate your thoughts.

Answer 1

I think your characteristics are not unusual. I have felt many of the things you've mentioned. Try finding a therapist, I think you might be pleasantly surprised at how much of a positive change it can be to talk things out with someone. Make sure it's someone you trust and feel comfortable with; sometimes it takes a while to find the right mental health care professional, but don't stop searching if you don't like the first one you talk to. You sound like a smart, thoughtful, analytical person--I hope you get the help you need and turn your life around for the better! Best of luck.

Answer 2

I am so sorry to hear you are feeling bad! I used to love that time of day when everyone went to bed and I had the house to myself. I would fix a snack and watch whatever I wanted on TV or read a book. I felt warm and secure knowing my family was just a short distance away there in the house and sleeping soundly.

by the way, people asking for help is not a sign of weakness. You must look out for yourself...it's self-preservation. Even the smartest people surround themselves with advisors and consultants. And they see a doctor when they need to.

Also, stop putting into your head any songs, images or other things that make you feel bad. Be careful what you put into your head just like you would be careful not to put poisons into your body. You need to revive your instinct for self-preservation.

You can do it! I know you can.  

Answer 3

I think being open with your problems is important and I realise how difficult it can be to deal with.  I've been seeing various shrinks and employing various methods for a while now (read: years) but things seem to be moving forward of late.  You do need to realise that your friends probably do want to support you as they can, as you would if they needed you.  One way you could do it, since you're shy, is to write it all down and send it by mail.  I used to keep a blog about my daily life, ups and downs.  Don't know how much this could help your situation.

But do look for help.  I don't know you, but you seem like a nice guy who needs a new perspective on life.  Life isn't easy, we all have our banes and sometimes, we just need another look on our lives to move forward.  But know this: whatever happens, you'll need to work on yourself.  And changing/confronting your problems can be scary, but think of the potential results, persevere and gratually, you'll be able to reach a more satisfying state.

Whatever you choose, I wish you the best of luck.