Comment by Sylvia on 04 Nov 2009 at 11:30 pm

Dear Karen,

I am writing to you in tears. I feel so badly to have lost someone close to me. This person was my friend and knew all of me and my alters. We are as a whole tormented in grief. What would you do if you were me? I don’t have a therapist at this time because I lost my job, my medical insurance and he won’t see me anymore saying he can’t. I feel so lost, first my best friend dies and then my therapist abandoned me. Maybe I should join my friend and die with him? I’m so sad.

Sylvia

LA

Dear Sylvia,

I’m sorry it’s taken a bit longer than usual to answer your question. I hope you are feeling better and have found someone to help you during this difficult time. I am shocked that your therapist abandoned you! I would feel devastated, too, especially at a time when you’re grieving the death of someone very close to you. It’s sad how money can become an issue in many relationships, even with one’s therapist. Dr. Baer and I have had our share of ups and downs but he never once abandoned me. Time goes on, and you may find a job with benefits and be able to return to therapy. Your therapist made a commitment to help you heal, just as you made a commitment to heal.

Maybe for now you can find comfort in a not-for-profit counseling center with a sliding scale of payment. Please seek help in the best way you can. Suicide is not the answer. I can understand how your sadness and dark thoughts urge you to take your own life, but that’s never the answer. Please don’t act on these temporary feelings.

Wishing you all my best as you continue your journey in healing.

Karen