SelfhelpMagazine

by Ken Gobbo and Jon A. Bolaski

The fact that you are reading this article using the medium you are is a sign of your interest in the Internet, self-help, and psychology. The Internet can be a very useful source of information on personal issues and concerns that individuals are confronted with in the course of a lifetime. One of the decisions many face is whether or not to begin or reenter psychotherapy in order to get some assistance in resolving an issue.

Many people ask a chain of questions when making this decision. Somewhere in that chain one asks," Is the issue or condition serious enough to discuss with a professional?" It is not an easy question to ask. If it is raised and then resurfaces it is probably worth exploring with someone who is knowledgeable in your area of concerns. If you are still unsure there are a number of tools on the Internet which can help individuals explore situations and measure the magnitude of their concern.

Stress anxiety and depression are among the most common psychological concerns faced by those who enter therapy. They may appear in a variety of combinations and stem from a wide range of sources. Stress results form the way we perceive and react to events in the environment that challenge or threaten us. Anxiety is a persistent feeling of uneasiness or apprehension. It is accompanied by a variety of physical signs connected to central nervous system arousal. They may include heart palpitations, sweaty palms etc.

Depression is a sad feeling which includes irritability, anger, loss of interest in activities along with changes in eating an sleeping patterns. A clinical depression or a mood disorder is a syndrome (a grouping of signs and symptoms) that is not a normal reaction to life's frustrations. Mood disorders involve responses in emotional, cognitive, and behavioral regulation. A sad or depressed mood is only one of the signs and symptoms of depression. Mood disturbance may include apathy, anxiety, or irritability in addition to or instead of sadness; also, the individual's interest or capacity for pleasure or enjoyment may be markedly reduced.

Up to one in eight individuals may require treatment for depression during their lifetime; "up to 70 percent of psychiatric hospitalizations are associated with mood disorders" (Agency for Health Care Policy and Research). Panic disorder strikes between 3 and 6 million Americans, and is twice as common in women as in men. It can appear at any age but most often it begis in young adulthood.

Of those who experience panic attacks few develop this repeated episodes of disorder, many people have one episode but never have another. For those who do have panic disorder, it is important to obtain treatment. Untreated, the disorder can effect functioning on many levels--from-day to-day decision-making to future planning.

There are many advantages to exploring these issues on the Internet, particularly if one is not sure of the level concern or even exactly what is wrong . Using scales, questionnaires and FAQ files can help individuals to explore the scope and depth of their concerns. Advantages include an opportunity to explore an issue in relative privacy and the frequent grouping together of related issues on net sites and through links provided near information.

There are also a number of issues one must be aware of. FIRST AND FOREMOST, Internet information is never intended to replace consultation with a medical professional or licensed psychotherapist. If you reach a point in your own mind that you need to talk with an individual about what you're feeling and what the results of your informational gathering is, it is imperative that you talk with a professional you trust.

Get a referral from a trusted physician or individual with good judgment and knowledge of the therapeutic options. Also keep in mind that there is no quality control on the Internet. However the sites listed below can be thought of as starting points for understanding how feelings and issues one has to face are categorized, defined and measured. These virtual places on the web should be thought of as just that, starting points.

About the Authors:

Jon A. Bolaski is Director of Counseling Services at Landmark College. Landmark College, a private coeducational institution, addresses the educational needs of students with dyslexia, attention deficit disorders, and other specific learning disabilities.
Putney, VT 05346 Voice: 802-387-6731

Ken Gobbo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Sciences
Putney, VT 05346 Voice: 802-387-6761