Podcast Summary: Dr. Laura Call of the Day – "Therapy Hasn't Helped"
Release Date: June 10, 2025
Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Platform: SiriusXM Triumph 111
Introduction
In the episode titled "Therapy Hasn't Helped," Dr. Laura Schlessinger engages in a candid and insightful conversation with a caller named Kristin. The discussion delves deep into Kristin's long-term struggle with depression, her experiences with various treatments, and the challenges she has faced in seeking effective mental health support.
Kristin’s Journey with Depression
Initial Diagnosis and Treatment
Kristin reaches out to Dr. Laura seeking advice on managing depression, revealing that she has been grappling with the condition since she was 21 years old.
- Kristin (01:00): "I wanted to know what you think the first plan of action would be for somebody who's newly diagnosed with depression."
Dr. Laura probes into the specifics of Kristin's diagnosis, seeking to understand the circumstances that led her to seek help.
- Dr. Laura (01:06): "Well, everybody has traumatic events. But what was your problem? What were you experiencing? What were your symptoms that made you go in for a diagnosis?"
Kristin shares that her symptoms included panic attacks, social anxiety, insomnia, extreme fatigue, and a diminished quality of life.
- Kristin (01:25): "Panic attack. Terrible. Like social anxiety, things like trouble sleeping, being extremely tired, not able to live life like I once was."
Treatment History
Kristin reveals that she was diagnosed by a psychiatrist who promptly prescribed antidepressants after just one visit.
- Kristin (02:27): "I was just put on antidepressants. Right away."
She has been on over a dozen antidepressants and various therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), over the past 15 years.
- Kristin (06:33): "I've been on over a dozen antidepressants, anti anxiety, antipsychotic medicines. I've done CBT, DBT."
Dr. Laura’s Perspective on Kristin’s Treatment
Evaluation of Previous Therapy
Dr. Laura questions the effectiveness of Kristin's therapy experiences, suggesting that despite long-term treatment, Kristin has not achieved the desired improvement.
- Dr. Laura (07:10): "You’re not newly diagnosed. This happened 15 years ago."
When Kristin mentions having a therapist for two years, Dr. Laura expresses skepticism about the therapist's effectiveness.
- Dr. Laura (07:29): "A good therapist. Okay, you obviously have not had one of those."
- Dr. Laura (08:34): "Maybe you ought not be in the same clinic."
She critiques the dependency that prolonged therapy can foster, emphasizing the importance of fostering independence and self-reliance.
- Dr. Laura (09:03): "Keeps a person dependent, weak, and not feeling confident in themselves? No, I don't think that's good."
Recommendations for Moving Forward
Dr. Laura suggests that Kristin may have been on the wrong path for the past 15 years and that a different approach is necessary.
- Dr. Laura (09:35): "Yes. Mine's from the standpoint of being a professional."
She encourages Kristin to seek new avenues and expresses doubt that her current therapeutic environment is beneficial.
- Dr. Laura (09:46): "I think you've been searching the wrong place for 15 years, and I think nobody's directed you to the right path."
Key Insights and Conclusions
-
Importance of Effective Therapy: Dr. Laura highlights that not all therapy is beneficial. The effectiveness of therapy largely depends on the quality of the therapeutic relationship and the methods employed.
-
Avoiding Dependency: Extended therapy without fostering independence can lead to dependency, undermining the individual’s confidence and ability to manage their mental health autonomously.
-
Re-evaluating Treatment Plans: Long-term treatment without significant improvement suggests the need for re-evaluation. Exploring alternative therapies or different therapeutic approaches may be necessary.
-
Empowerment and Personal Responsibility: Emphasizing personal responsibility and empowerment is crucial in overcoming depression. Patients should be encouraged to develop self-reliance alongside professional support.
Notable Quotes
-
Dr. Laura (07:10): "You’re not newly diagnosed. This happened 15 years ago."
-
Dr. Laura (07:29): "A good therapist. Okay, you obviously have not had one of those."
-
Dr. Laura (09:03): "Keeps a person dependent, weak, and not feeling confident in themselves? No, I don't think that's good."
-
Dr. Laura (09:46): "I think you've been searching the wrong place for 15 years, and I think nobody's directed you to the right path."
Final Thoughts
Dr. Laura concludes the conversation by expressing her wish for Kristin's success in finding the right path to managing her depression. She encourages listeners to engage with her through social media for more resources and support.
- Dr. Laura (09:46): "I wish you well with your search, but I think you've been searching the wrong place for 15 years, and I think nobody's directed you to the right path."
This episode offers a critical examination of long-term depression treatment and underscores the necessity of effective, empowering therapeutic practices. Dr. Laura's no-nonsense approach provides valuable insights for individuals seeking meaningful solutions to their mental health challenges.