Mental Health: Psychotherapy / Counseling / Groups ?

[eek]

I know we have a topic for medical specialists, but actually seems very little information in the way of Mental Health help.

Reason im asking is i recently was looking up about Dialectical Behaviour Therapy on google and trying to see if this kind of treatment is available in Chiang Mai.

Thought it would be a good idea to have a more detailed thread for mental health aid and support groups etc.

I know there is AA groups around (im not sure where though sorry, so maybe someone could let others know)

Are there other support groups?

Are there any good psychotherapists and counselors about suitable for westerners?

(..and dont worry, im not going loopy (ive always been loopy!). I personally have some anxiety issues that flair up from time to time, and heard that DBT can help with it. Im a very shy person, and thought it might be good to address the anxiety i can get sometimes. Seeking some practical methods, and i would prefer to actually speak with a qualified person, rather than just online tips etc).

Got me thinking that it might be a good idea to have a thread on Mental Health. ..and maybe it could be sieved through and a pinned topic made...?

I take mental health as serious as physical health. Life should be about feeling good!

[Semper]

I take mental health as serious as physical health. Life should be about feeling good!

You're right about this. But "mental health" can't be cured in the same way as "physical health", as it's in the genes. You can make them to "feel good" with medication, but it will not change them.

[eek]

Oooooh Semper, i disagree, sorry. Depends on what the issue is. Cognitive therapy for example is known to work on many issues.

(Sorry, im an armchair psychotherapist lol. i did an elective in psychology in my degree and have a deep interest. The mind is fascinating!)

Edit: Dont agree about it in the genes either (can be though, just not the only cause). Can be a result of abuse too, and many other things, post traumatic stress, etc. In these cases cognitive therapy rather than medicinal treatments can and do work

..but even in the case of drug therapy, if a person truly needs it, still good to know where in Chiang Mai.

[Rob8891]

Gotta agree with eek, Semper. As well as CBT, exercise is a great way to help mental health. Yes, there may be genetic factors that make some people more predisposed to mental helth issues, but there are also lifestyle factors too. IMHO exercise is a major self-help thing.

[DavidMavec]

Oooooh Semper, i disagree, sorry. Depends on what the issue is. Cognitive therapy for example is known to work on many issues.

(Sorry, im an armchair psychotherapist lol. i did an elective in psychology in my degree and have a deep interest. The mind is fascinating!)

Edit: Dont agree about it in the genes either (can be though, just not the only cause). Can be a result of abuse too, and many other things, post traumatic stress, etc. In these cases cognitive therapy rather than medicinal treatments can and do work

..but even in the case of drug therapy, if a person truly needs it, still good to know where in Chiang Mai.

Stop apologizing for your opinions.

[hellodolly]

I have been told that there is two English speaking Phsicatrist (I can't spell but you know what I mean) at the Mental Health Hospital On the South West corner of the old city. Just across from the park. Also I believe there is one at Ram.

Self help groups are great for many if they have a problem in that area such as if you have a problem with alcohol there is Alcoholics Anonymous or if you have a problem with drugs there is Narcotics Anonymous even a Nicotine Anonymous.

You are quite correct there is specific therapies for certain things for others there is drug help. As well a Therapy session with a councilor., I have also heard of a Anonymous group for adult children of Alcoholics.

[jackr]

You can make them to "feel good" with medication, but it will not change them.

Not directly, but one can help the brain put itself back together (connections in the hippocampus, for example) while meds (and/or therapy) pull one out of the mire by manipulating serotonin levels. Many people who were severly depressed have come off the meds and are now right as rain.

This from another thread:

If you go to SriPat you can get an appointment with Dr Jumlong who is the head of SuanPrung. He speaks english. A long appointment about 50 minutes cost a friend 500baht...

Suanprung hospital

Problem here is the face culture and thus the general lack of understanding/opening up so there are generally fewer resources... as a result, many people go without treatment or 'here's some Prozac, now on your way' stylie.

[jacktrip]

i wont name meds here, but fyi you can get strong stuff for social anxiety without a prescription at pharmacies all over thailand. would not address the root cause, of course.

[hellodolly]

i wont name meds here, but fyi you can get strong stuff for social anxiety without a prescription at pharmacies all over thailand. would not address the root cause, of course.

In many mental health issues self prescribed medications only cause more problems.

[DeaconJohn]

Sister, have you ever considered getting right with God? That is, if you're not already. Just a thought.

On the other hand, sex, drugs, and rock an' roll might be alternatives worth exploring.

My own experience has encompassed all of the above and I've suffered and benefited in some strange and unexpected ways but have always come back to what I was taught as a child in the backwoods of Tennesee.

Keep the faith baby.

[weary]

I take mental health as serious as physical health. Life should be about feeling good!

You're right about this. But "mental health" can't be cured in the same way as "physical health", as it's in the genes. You can make them to "feel good" with medication, but it will not change them.

Genetics predispose people for both physical and mental ailments. The environment and your actions determine what will become of the hand of cards one is given. The brain and body are much more malleable than most people think - both in positive and negative ways. You can develop mental illness without having a high genetic predisposition for it. Hormonal imbalances related to thyroid problems can manifest as something resembling bipolar disorder/depression, and upon correction of the thyroid problem, the behaviour goes away.

[hellodolly]

I take mental health as serious as physical health. Life should be about feeling good!

You're right about this. But "mental health" can't be cured in the same way as "physical health", as it's in the genes. You can make them to "feel good" with medication, but it will not change them.

Genetics predispose people for both physical and mental ailments. The environment and your actions determine what will become of the hand of cards one is given. The brain and body are much more malleable than most people think - both in positive and negative ways. You can develop mental illness without having a high genetic predisposition for it. Hormonal imbalances related to thyroid problems can manifest as something resembling bipolar disorder/depression, and upon correction of the thyroid problem, the behaviour goes away.

The brain is the most misunderstood part of the body. In your talk you mentioned

"The environment and your actions determine what will become of the hand of cards one is given"

Quite true to a point. You can also change your attitude to the surrounding conditions and there by change your perception of them. All the other organs in the body respond only the one way.

Kind of like that old saw One man's junk is another man's treasure.

We know a lot about the brain now but it is still a mystery. We will be a long time in under standing them. In the mean time we have medical help, mental help, support groups and a variety of other methods. Yes even religion helps some people. It is up to each of us to find are way and one of the ways is by reaching out to others for suggestions such as the OP has done here.

I learned a new one the other day a friend was telling me to sit down and write a list up of the things I have that I am grateful to have. This was not a new idea to me. But in the course of are discussion he mentioned to have a look at the item's on my list and think about how much I appreciated each one of them.

That ws a really good idea that I had never thought about. If I am in a dispute with the wife and stop to think about what she has done and is continuing doing for me it makes it much easier to keep calm.

[Rancid]

You are asking the medical modality that brought us such wonders as cranial lobotomy, internment in insane asylums and electrotherapy (aka frying the brain) for help with phychological disorders? Things may have moved on or have they?

[eek]

Rancid, your post has thrown me because, honestly, i didnt think people actually considered psychological practices to be so archaic and barbaric in todays age.

Also, Psychology and psychotherapy are also two very different approaches to mental health (both valid, depending on circumstances).

Im would like to think the general population in the world today view mental health practices as healthy, without odd stigma.

Even meditation is a mental health practice.

Thankfully there is more awareness and a vast array of different treatments and aids for promoting a healthy mind.

[patrick12]

hi

there is a clinical psychologist in private practice in chiang mai dr ron perrin 0856187245 my wife has been to him and said he was great

good luck

[uptheos]

hi

there is a clinical psychologist in private practice in chiang mai dr ron perrin 0856187245 my wife has been to him and said he was great

good luck

Here's an article I founds by him (though I know you're not a man eek........are you)?

Scroll to bottom of page.

http://www.chiangmai...1/columns.shtml

[hellodolly]

hi

there is a clinical psychologist in private practice in chiang mai dr ron perrin 0856187245 my wife has been to him and said he was great

good luck

Here's an article I founds by him (though I know you're not a man eek........are you)?

Scroll to bottom of page.

http://www.chiangmai...1/columns.shtml

Good stuff uptheos

Here is the last paragraph. good stuff to keep in mind.

Depression disorders make you feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and hopeless. Such negative thoughts and feeling make some people feel like giving up. You should realize that these negative views are part of depression, and typically do not accurately reflect your life situation. Negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect. Psychotherapy, especially cognitive psychotherapy, is specifically designed to change the negative thinking associated with depression. Confidential Appoiontments. Dr. Ron Perrin. Psychology – Psychotherapy. 085 – 6187245.

[dave2]

re.

(though I know you're not a man eek........are you)?

nahhh ... shes a girl ! ... ive known her for years coz

she likes cats ! .... as i do : )

dave2

[Joop50]

I've deleted my post, not very helpful, funny or kind.

[scorecard]

i wont name meds here, but fyi you can get strong stuff for social anxiety without a prescription at pharmacies all over thailand. would not address the root cause, of course.

In many mental health issues self prescribed medications only cause more problems.

Not only medications, also untrained do gooders, example: folks who think by working in a mental hospital for six months as an attendant they are now fully qualified to analyse, define the issues / problems, and counsel other people. Beware.