> > If you go to a therapist, even if he is known by everyone where you live, he is strictly forbidden, both by law and by the code of ethics set out by the APA, from telling anyone anything about you. The only exceptions to this rule are when you prove to be a danger to someone. i.e., if a patient sees a therapist and says he's gonna go kill his wife, the therapist is obligated to inform the wife and the police to prevent the murder.
> >
> > Since your troubles do not involve wanting to harm anyone, you have nothing to worry about regarding people learning anything about your situation.
>
> I'm worried about embarrassment, mostly. I usually don't talk about my feelings with anyone, and I would hardly know how to begin to tell someone about this. I feel a little ashamed even talking about it here. Also, there are are no therapists in my tiny neck of the woods, only a doctor and a pastor. I know they would never reveal my problem to anyone, but I've known them for a long time, and it would be difficult seeing them around the community after telling them something so personal. I know it's pretty silly, but I just don't like that kind of thing, and when nothing is happenning *now*, it's difficult to see a reason why I should talk to someone. I'll try, though.
>
> Anonymous

maybe now, when nothing is happening, is a better time to do it than later, when you get depressed again and have to deal with the problems without any help... if you know how to deal with the depression when it comes again then you'll be able to deal with it.... but if you wait... well, who knows when you won't be able to just snap out of it and you'll make a stupid decision and... well, it's just plain scary. please please please get help... even if you have to talk to a parent or friend and get them to take you to a therapist somewhere not in your town... maybe that would even be smarter. But please, don't let yourself continue on this track. You realize something's wrong, you've reached out to us, please reach out to someone who really can help.

uni"still praying"peg