Wednesday, Lafayette, Indiana

Research has shown that Americans lead the developed world in stress related disorders. We have shocking rates of depression and anxiety, even when compared to other developed countries. In fact, a full 25% of Americans have a diagnosable, stress related psychological disorder. Here we are, leaders in the quality of our daily lifestyle, economic and military power, educational opportunity and yet we struggle with our mood. Hmm!

Well, what do we do with this predicament? Research also confirms that the most effective strategy for overcoming psychological problems, such as depression or anxiety is to use a combination of mood medication along with talk therapy. But many individuals suffering from depression or anxiety become squeamish about one or the other of these options. Some are intensely resistant to the idea of taking a drug for their mood instability while others are reluctant to engage in the process of psychotherapy. Consequently many sufferers try to cope with less than ideal treatment.

No matter how much public awareness is raised about depression and anxiety as biological illnesses; regardless of the information readily available about effective treatment options, there remains a social stigma about these difficulties as “mental illness.” Such stigma raises fears about being labeled, ostracized and tainted. And frequently those suffering opt to resist getting the full treatment they need for fear of discrimination.

Of the two strategies for treating depression the science behind the medications is of course quite persuasive and reassuring. Less so is the efficacy of talk therapy. Many anxious or depressed people tend to dismiss the potential of psychotherapy because on its face it appears to be casual and with limited substance.

The fact is that an ongoing process of speaking with an empathic person about our daily struggles of life is enormously helpful. Whether this is a caring family member or a professional therapist there is relief to be had in sharing our life and its issues.

Recently many people have been using the Internet as a resource for psychological help. There are therapists available to treat you online. Regardless of where you seek help, there is no reason to suffer alone with the pain of mood instability. Get the help you need; it’s nearby.

Assuming you are a good candidate for online counseling how can you tell if your online therapist is ethical and qualified?

Look for these signs:

1. When you inquire about your therapist’s credentials his response is "what does that matter?"

2. The therapist’s biography mentions that he works part-time as a nightclub ventriloquist.

3. The educational background of your counselor just says “The School of Hard Knocks.”

4. In response to your description of a panic attack, the therapist recommends a glass of bourbon.

5. After offering an illustration of what triggers your depression, the therapist responds with “LOL.”

6. After two online sessions, your therapist shows up at your house.

7. After two months of treatment you discover that the therapist has been secretly emailing your mother.

8. Your therapist suggests a video chat session and when he appears on screen he has a mohawk haircut and tiny, decaying teeth.

9. To pay for treatment your counselor insists on money orders sent to an address in Uganda.

10. The therapist suggests that you prepare for a marital confrontation by role playing the event with a finger puppet he sells you.