Comment by CipherThrowaway | Hacker News Reader

Comment by CipherThrowaway | Hacker News Reader

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CipherThrowaway

>If we break our bones we visit a doctor. If our teeth hurt we visit a dentist.

Depends on your health insurance, financial standing and free time. If you're an affluent tech worker you probably would go to a dentist for a toothache. Most people I know would not.

I wouldn't compare mental health to broken bones. We've been successfully treating broken bones for thousands of years. Seeking treatment for depression or generalized anxiety is more similar to seeing a doctor for some poorly understood malady like ME/CFS or IBS. No one really understands what's going on or why. You might try some medication or treatment and it might work, do nothing or make things worse.

It's worth a try but it's not a silver bullet. If your life sucks and your future prospects are bad then therapy is really just helping you cope.

You’re missing his point. He’s making an appeal to see someone trained to help someone having a mental health related issue. This would be in opposition to simply talking to friends and family or balling it up inside.

Your comments about income inequality are valid but the OP stated he has sufficient income that he should be able to find help. My benefits package pays for a dozen therapy sessions and the rest are $25 each. Ironically my company doesn’t provide dental insurance. Apparently being an affluent tech worker means you don’t need to have working teeth ;).

You are right on all points, but please ask yourself if the contrarian details really detract from the main message. I'd argue not.

And, to be clear, "Helping you cope" is so extremely powerful and is essentially the point of therapy, most religions, and all major life philosophies. Coping skills are the foundation of solid mental health and long-term happiness.

> Seeking treatment for depression or generalized anxiety is more similar to seeing a doctor for some poorly understood malady like ME/CFS or IBS. No one really understands what's going on or why

You're not wrong, but we gotta start somewhere.

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